Jeremie Frimpong’s future hasn’t really been up for debate, but the right-back has rejected the notion of a swift return to England.
Frimpong only signed for Celtic in the summer from Manchester City. Yet, despite not playing a single game of senior football in his career, he’s taken to the high-pressure Parkhead environment like a duck to water.
Indeed, Frimpong has earned high praise from manager Neil Lennon, who claimed he was one of the best youngsters he’s ever worked with (BBC). With 15 senior appearances to his name, it’s been a meteoric rise for the young Dutchman (Transfermarkt).
With that kind of improvement, it’s not inconceivable to think that interest in his services could occur in the near future. Fortunately, his eyes are only fixated on Celtic Park. Speaking in the Daily Record, here’s what Frimpong said when asked about a Premier League return:
“No, I’m at Celtic and this is where I’m staying. The fans love me and I love them so I’m staying here. When I came here I wanted to win trophies and Celtic are the right team to do that with. I thought I’d have to wait a while. I didn’t think everything would happen this quick.
“But I always knew that one day I’d prove myself. I want to keep doing it for the fans and my team-mates.
“Obviously the club brought in two experienced guys at right-back so I thought I’d have to wait. But when you get your chance you have to take it.”
Frimpong knows what’s best for his career
Nobody would’ve expected him to depart anytime soon. Celtic also likely wouldn’t allow it for the money that would probably be on offer.
In any case, it’s still great to hear these kinds of words from Frimpong. It shows us as fans that he knows what’s best for his career. He understands what Celtic can do for him. Even at this early stage, he’s achieved a lot. But there’s a long way to go before he’s done all he can.
He’s yet to experience European football at Parkhead for a start. Lennon has admitted that he’ll be in the Europa League squad for the knockout rounds, so that’s another box that will soon be ticked (Scottish Sun). He also has plenty of silverware to grab before he should consider his next move.
You’ll do well to remember a more emphatic or speedy rise to prominence than what Frimpong has achieved. It’s no surprise that he’s already having to answer questions like those.
His only thoughts at the moment will be on Boxing Day at St Mirren before Rangers’ Parkhead visit next week. Despite winning the Betfred Cup at the start of the month, the youngster could be forgiven for still having revenge on his mind. His red card will hopefully have him fired up for next week.
And surely, that’ll be the last question on his future for a while. He’s effectively only just in the door and will have plenty he’ll want to achieve before moving on. It’s great to see that he sees it the same way as us.
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