Matt O’Riley has written his farewell message to Celtic supporters after confirming his move to Brighton earlier this week.
O’Riley made the switch from Celtic to the Seagulls a massive £25m fee that could eventually reach £30m.
He expressed his delight with the move in his first media interview with the Premier League side, but things quickly went sour when he was injured just a handful of minutes into his debut on Tuesday night.
The Danish international was on the receiving end of a crunching Crawley Town tackle during an EFL Cup clash and limped off in significant pain. O’Riley will now require surgery to fix the issue and potentially miss months of the 2024/25 season.
Matt O’Riley says goodbye to Celtic supporters
Posting on Instagram, O’Riley made it clear he’s going to miss Celtic, stating: “This isn’t an easy message to write but I just wanted to express how grateful I am to have been able to represent this special football club.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be in an environment and team full of great people. All my teammates and the staff made it easy for me to settle in right from day one and feel part of the family.
“The joy I have experienced when wearing the badge and playing in front of you guys is one like no other. Every single game was an absolute privilege to be a part of and I’m thankful I got to be at the club during a successful period.
“When they say it’s a club like no other it truly is. You guys are one of a kind and it is a credit to all of you for providing such an amazing atmosphere week in and week out.
“Thank you for letting me share these times with you. I will forever be a Celt and I will forever support the club.”
O’Riley will always be fondly remembered at Celtic
Signed for just £1.5m from MK Dons, O’Riley went on to make a superb contribution in Celtic colours across 134 appearances.
He showed class on and off the pitch, netting a barrel load of goals in 2023/24 as well as showing his commitment to the local community with charity work.
All in, he’s been one of the most successful Celtic signings in recent times and the healthy profit he’s bagged the club will help the Brendan Rodgers project move forward.
His rapport with the Celtic support is clear and there’s little doubt wherever he goes in the world, for years, he’ll get a warm reception from those of a Bhoys persuasion.
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