Celtic’ returning star Nir Bitton has stated that basketball legend Michael Jordan is his inspiration.
The Israeli has just recently returned to the Celtic fold after 11 months out through injury. He’s since made seven first-team appearances since his return, and has started the last three matches in-a-row.
Impressive displays at Hearts and Hibs in particular has made him a welcome addition to the first-team once more. But, in an unusual insight into the Celtic midfielder’s personal life, he’s revealed that it’s NBA legend Jordan that inspires him.
Bitton opened up about his inspiration in this week’s Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 32, page 17).
“You can always draw inspiration and learn from other athletes. One of the other sports I like is basketball and guys like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have experienced a lot in their career.
“If you can learn from others like that then it makes you wiser in life. Michael Jordan took thousands of shots and missed them, but people only remember the ones he scored. You have to takes responsibility without being afraid to fail.
“It’s better to try rather than being filled with regret at not trying. You have to take responsibility and show that you’re willing to take a chance for the team.”
This explains elements of Bitton’s game
Whilst the inspirational sportsman choice is a bit of a surprise, nobody can doubt it makes sense when you watch Bitton.
He also told the Celtic View in the same interview that he will practice on his shooting. That’s something the Israeli frustrated fans with in Celtic’s 2-1 win at Tynecastle.
But, what these words about inspirational sportsmen does is explain Bitton’s thought process. He’s happy to have a go and take one for the team. He’s not overly-concerned about risking a chance in case of backlash. He believes it’s all about putting your neck on the line for your team-mates.
This is a nice attitude to have from the former Ashdod man. Over the last couple of weeks, Bitton has certainly been a lot more upbeat about his Celtic future. Having inspirational figures in his life will have helped him through his comeback stages, and you can tell how much he takes from them.
For us, we just hope he can replicate that confidence on the pitch. Everyone knows he certainly deserves it after his injury hell.
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