Recent Celtic recruit Vakoun Issouf Bayo has been speaking about the turbulent first six months he faced in Glasgow.
The 22-year-old arrived from Slovakian top-flight side Dunajska Streda in January but featured for just five minutes in the second-half of the season. The Ivorian forward suffered a bad hamstring tear and also had to deal with the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Leicester in a tough baptism of fire.
However, speaking to the Daily Record, Bayo says it was the loss of one of Rodgers’ associates that hurt most.
“The change affected me but we have to realise that this is football. I came here to play my game and then the manager went to another club. It happens and I knew this.
“But it did affect me a little because I knew Kolo Toure very well and he knew me. All of a sudden, I didn’t know if he was staying or going. He left and we have not spoken since.
“It’s something I had to cope with. It’s okay.”
Toure’s departure has not gone unnoticed
It’s no hidden secret that Toure was a big figure in the dressing room, most notably with some of the African players.
The former centre-back would have played a big role in getting Bayo to the club. Toure is seen is one of the biggest figures in African football history and his presence at Celtic would have been a real incentive for many players to come to Glasgow.
His departure from the club is barely spoken about in comparison to Rodgers for understandable reasons. However, it is important to note the void that he has left behind.
In terms of Bayo, the striker must just try to do the simple things well. Strikers are judged on goals at clubs like Celtic and fans will forgive sloppy errors providing he is putting the ball in the back of the net. He made a good start against Wiener but now has to look to kick on.
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