What Paul Elliott did when he left Celtic for Chelsea leaves Steven Naismith stunned

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Paul Elliott was, without doubt, one of the best defenders ever to play at Celtic.

The towering centre-back was solid, pacey and a no-nonsense defender who Celtic fans took to their hearts.

Elliott joined Celtic from Pisa in the Serie A and spent two years at the club during one of the worst spells in their history.

A Celtic Park favourite, Elliott left for Chelsea in 1991 and what he did on the day he left has left former Rangers man Steven Naismith stunned.

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Paul Elliott admits he cried leaving Celtic for Chelsea

After two trophyless seasons at Celtic, Elliott decided to leave the Parkhead club and go to Chelsea. And what he did on the day he left Parkhead leaves Steven Naismith stunned.

Elliott told The Warm Up, “It was tough to leave. Honestly. I remember the day when I packed up, I cried. You know, nothing wrong with a grown man.

“But I think it was tears of appreciation, gratitude, respect, and coming somewhere and leaving a massive impact.

“I don’t know what legacy looks like. I know now since I’ve come out of the game, but during it, you’re at club A, club B… So, you’ve been to clubs, you just do your best and you just hope you leave there on good terms, do the right thing.

“And I’m so grateful that every club I went to, I impacted. But this one was, because I was emotionally drawn to Celtic by the love.”

Naismith replied, “It’s amazing to hear that, being from the West Coast and that you can get that.

Paul Elliott shares what Celtic gave him he couldn’t find at Chelsea

While Elliott moved back to Chelsea, his career ended after an unfortunate injury. But it’s not until he looks back now that he realises what Celtic gave him, he couldn’t find in England, especially at Stamford Bridge.

Elliott: “It struck me and whereas London’s big. It’s huge. You’ve got 15 clubs. You don’t have the same intensity, the same feeling.

“It’s like a there’s a feeling, you know. Love, kindness, everything’s a feeling. And I didn’t have that feeling down south.

“I had it in Italy. I had it at Luton under David Pleat. I had it at Celtic and it’s special. It’s special and I’m living it today, and now I understand why. Didn’t know then, but I understand now.”

You can watch Elliott’s emotional admission below:

Elliott will always be regarded as a player of immense quality by Celtic supporters and one who was right for the club, but just joined at the wrong time.