Centre-back Christopher Jullien has revealed his own surprise at the size of Celtic, and has claimed he can’t even walk the streets without being noticed.
The former Toulouse defender has made a storming start to life at Parkhead. He’s quickly become the club’s first-choice centre-back alongside Kristoffer Ajer. As well as that, Jullien is clearly blossoming into the player the club were hoping they would sign.
He’s already bagged some impressive performances since arriving at the club. He’s been colossal against AIK, Rangers, and Rennes respectively. And his performance-levels have quickly made him a fan-favourite in Glasgow.
Jullien spoke to France Football, however, and was clearly surprised with the enormity of the club.”
“There is a lot to say … It’s huge. All the club does for Scotland, for their fans. The scale that Celtic has is incredible. I am surprised every day by some things, the stadium, the fans … To live this, it’s already super cool.
“In France, we do not realize it. Whereas when you’re inside, it’s huge, and I knew I wanted to go up a notch, but I did not expect so much. I am learning every day, how much this club has an authority and a track record that can make the difference.
“I can not walk in the streets! That, when you’re in France, you do not realize.”
Jullien has already cemented his place at Parkhead
Nobody would argue that Jullien is now one of the first names on the teamsheet. His performances since arriving have been nothing short of terrific.
It shows just how far he’s come over the last couple of months too. It took Neil Lennon plenty of time to integrate his star-man. That was something that frustrated sections of the support. After all, he was effectively our marquee signing and was missing key Champions League qualifiers.
Whether Lenny made a mistake in how long he took to get him in the side is all in the past. Now, Jullien is in there and confidence at the club is growing on a weekly basis. Our six wins out of six in the Premiership so far has been built on a solid back-line. Jullien has been instrumental to that.
As it stands, you don’t see anyone taking his spot from him anytime soon. Jozo Simunovic and Nir Bitton have both started the season well. However, will they truly get in for someone as vital as Jullien? Hardly.
But Jullien’s comments themselves also express just how big this club is. The Glasgow environment can be tough for footballers coming to a new country. For Jullien, he’s handled it superbly, and is showing traits of a captain in there too.
Hopefully, he continues his sensational start to his Celtic career in what’s a couple of weeks of tough fixtures ahead.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
