Three Celtic players and Julian Araujo have responded to Marcelo Saracchi after the defender confirmed his hoped-for Parkhead return was over.
Saracchi said that he and his agent did “absolutely everything within our power” to make the move happen. The Uruguay international admitted he was “truly gutted” that he would not be continuing at Celtic.
O’Neill had repeatedly made it clear that he wanted Saracchi back at Celtic and joked that the left-back deserved a 25-year contract for his part in the title-winning comeback against Hearts.
Name your figure to bring Saracchi to Celtic…
What three Celtic players told Marcelo Saracchi
Sebastian Tounekti replied: “Will miss u broooo”, while Paulo Bernardo called him “Hermanoooo” alongside two crying emojis.
Daizen Maeda left a heart and Julián Araujo wrote: “Todo lo mejor hermano”, which translates as: “All the best, brother.”
Saracchi spent only one season in Glasgow and still left with teammates publicly calling him their brother and making clear that he will be missed.
Saracchi was clearly well-liked inside the Celtic dressing room, despite spending only one season in Glasgow.
Celtic have lost more than a dependable left-back
Saracchi made 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring once and providing two assists during his loan from Boca Juniors. His most important contribution came against Hearts when his involvement helped Celtic create the late goal which swung the title back towards Parkhead.
He was never going to displace Kieran Tierney every week, but that was not the job Celtic needed him for. Saracchi had proved he could cover the position, had O’Neill’s backing and wanted to return.
This should have been one of Celtic’s easiest deals of the summer. Instead, a player wanted by O’Neill, valued by his teammates and desperate to return has been allowed to walk away.
The replies from Tounekti, Maeda, Bernardo and Araujo make Saracchi’s failed return look even more frustrating.
Saracchi leaves without a permanent deal, but with the respect of the players who worked beside him and supporters who wanted him back.
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