Moussa Dembele’s return to Celtic Park today was a pleasant surprise for many Hoops supporters, as he claimed he was “back home”.
The Frenchman was snapped on Sky Sports post-match as he celebrated with the Celtic players after beating Hearts. The 2-1 success at Parkhead wasn’t a classic, but it was yet another trophy in Celtic’s cabinet.
It wasn’t a day of many big surprises. But Dembele’s appearance was certainly one of them. Celtic introduced him to the supporters on their official Twitter account post-match.
And speaking after the celebrations, Dembele spoke to Sky Sports Football’s live broadcast (19th May, 14:30)
“Obviously it’s good to be here. I spent two years and two of the best years of my career here. I’ve been blessed to be here and play for the fans. It’s just like coming back home. I’m happy about it.
“Some of the fans left before I had come onto the pitch. But it’s great to come onto the pitch and feel the pitch as well. So as I said, I’ve spent two of the best years of my career here, and I feel blessed to come back. I’m happy and will always come back for celebrations like this.”
A fitting visitor on a fitting day
Not many will forget what Dembele did here in a hurry. During his two years in Glasgow, he fired home 51 goals and became a key figure in Brendan Rodgers’ double-treble winning side.
He also scored no less than SEVEN Glasgow derby goals against Rangers in that period too. Big goals against the likes of Manchester City, PSG, and Borussia Monchengladbach also helped shoot Moussa to fame in Glasgow.
And what makes it so fitting was the role he played with this team. Only a small handful of players currently at the club didn’t play alongside Dembele last season. He’s one of those players you just don’t forget in a hurry, and it was great to see him back along at Paradise today.
It’s still a great sign to see the affinity Dembele still has for Celtic. He continues to speak well of the club on social media, and hasn’t ever forgotten what the Parkhead side gave him.
And since his move to Lyon in Ligue 1, the Frenchman has been on fire. He’s managed 18 goals for the French side, and also reached the Champions League last-16 in his first campaign back home.
Such form has seen him linked with a potential move to Manchester United. It’s certainly been one high to another for Dembele since his Parkhead departure, and nobody in Glasgow should grudge him for making the move either.
Dembele will always be welcome back at Parkhead. If he ever wants to return as a player also, that could surely be arranged too!
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