Former Celtic man Donati congratulated by fans after bagging UEFA licence

By Euan Davidson

September 9, 2021

Former Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati has been congratulated by Bhoys supporters after he bagged his UEFA Pro Licence.

Donati, who came through the Atalanta youth ranks before making his name at AC Milan, was announced as AS Sambenedettese boss earlier this year. However, despite not taking charge of a competitive game for the Serie C side, Transfermarkt has him listed as a free agent.

Perhaps that was to continue his coaching education with UEFA. That being the case? Mission accomplished for the ex-Bhoys midfielder. Donati, who played for Celtic between 2007 and 2009, now holds the top UEFA badges.

He announced on Twitter:

As a player who maintains an excellent relationship with supporters, Donati has made his long-term intentions obvious. He told Tribal Football in March:

“Celtic is really a great club, not even I was aware of its greatness until I found myself living it every day. From the point of view of the organisation… it is very similar to Milan. My dream/goal is to become manager of Celtic one day.”

Celtic fans respond to Donati after he secures UEFA coaching badges

Despite spending just two years in Glasgow, Donati was clearly positively impacted by his time at Celtic.

The former Milan midfielder would go on to spend time with Hamilton Academicals and St Mirren. Then, after retirement, he was Angelo Alessi’s assistant Kilmarnock.

There’s clearly an affection for Scottish football there. While it’s far more likely he’ll stay in Italy for his first proper management gig, there’ll always be options for him in the SPFL.

Whether his Celtic dream will be met is another thing. Despite the turnaround of managers in modern football, the Bhoys have only ever had 19 managers through the club’s entire history. The boards are notoriously picky.

So, much will depend on Donati’s ability and style as a manager. His enthusiasm won’t be beat, though. Clearly, he has the popularity needed at least.

Celtic fans congratulated Donati on Twitter:

We’ll be following the former Bhoys midfielder’s career with interest.

In other news: New Bhoy scores again after controversial move