Former Celtic defender Christopher Jullien has reflected upon his time at Parkhead after recently completing a move to French side Montpellier.
The 29-year-old is still classed as one of the Hoops’ most expensive signings, joining the club for a fee in the region of £7 million in 2019.
Jullien looked to be well on his way to becoming a key contributor in the Celtic side for years to come, helping the Hoops to another Treble and scoring some crucial goals along the way.
However, the Frenchman’s Celtic career began to slow down the following season after picking up a series of serious injury knocks.
After picking up a knee injury in December of 2020, the defender spent over a 12 months out and only made his return to action earlier this year.
Despite making a long-awaited return, that was Jullien’s only appearance under Ange Postecoglou this season, having failed to break into the 56-year-old’s plans.
For that reason, the former Toulouse man was expected to leave this summer and earlier this week, Jullien secured his permanent exit, joining Ligue 1 side Montpellier on a permanent basis.
Speaking to French media out Midi Libre for the first time since joining his new club, the French defender reflected upon his ‘amazing experience’ at Celtic Park.
Jullien also stated he will be watching the Hoops closely in the Champions League this season and revealed he had sent a message to Celtic captain Callum McGregor after the group stage draw.
When asked what he learned from his time in Scotland, Jullien said; “You have to understand that when you arrive in a dressing room where a draw is not even possible, it is immediately a thorough learning when you come out of three seasons in Toulouse where you were a little in the rough, where you played the maintenance.
“There, winning is a requirement, it’s a must, you have to do it, and you have no choice because you have 60,000 people every weekend who put pressure on you. You have no choice, you have to embrace this madness.
“We did that the first year by winning three trophies. If I had to keep one thing, it’s the word learning, that of winning, of having the win, the rage to win. It was an amazing experience. I will only have very good memories of it.”
Jullien was also asked if he had any regrets about leaving Celtic after seeing Thursday draw, and he responded: “Not at all. I sent a message to the team captain this morning, who congratulated me on coming here.
“I told him I was going to be their first supporter, I’m happy for them. To find a standing, these evenings of the Champions League which will be incredible.
“But sometimes, there comes a time in your life when you have to make decisions. And the one I took, I do not regret it in any way. I saw my personal aspect, when I said I was ready after November, I thought about the team, I did not show a state of mind despite my desire to play.
“I tried to accompany the team the most. And when your children ask you when you’re going to go back to the field, you have to make a decision and move forward. I have experienced incredible moments, finals, the European matches I do not regret, and I am happy to have come out of this club with my head held high.
“The staff, the fans, the club know that I gave everything the time I was there.”
It is great to hear that even after a disappointing end to his Celtic career, Christopher Jullien still has great things to say about his time in Glasgow.
The experienced defender looked like a fantastic addition during his first season at the club, but ultimately it did not work out, and it was best for all parties to move on at this stage.
Hopefully, he is able to get back to playing regular football in his homeland once again after a dreadful few years through injury.
Who knows, we may even see the Frenchman visit his old teammates for one of the three specials nights at Paradise over the next few months.
In other news, Celtic star spotted back amongst teammates as recovery continues from ‘pretty nasty’ knock.
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