Mohamed Elyounoussi says goodbye to Celtic; Dembele, Taylor and Ajeti respond

By Euan Davidson

June 30, 2021

Former Celtic winger Mohamed Elyounoussi has offered a fond farewell to the club and its supporters.

Elyounoussi, a Norway international, spent two stints on loan with the Bhoys. In that time, his productivity was remarkable. Over 67 games, the Southampton wide man scored 24 and set up 14 [Transfermarkt]. Despite injury woes over his two seasons, he quickly established himself as a fan favourite.

However, when the club’s form began to dip, and Celtic weren’t finishing chances as readily, Elyounoussi received some of the flak. There’s been debate as to whether or not the Bhoys should make a hefty investment, but those arguments now seem to be moot.

Elyounoussi said [Instagram]:

“I would like to thank everyone at @celticfc for the two seasons I was there. Thanks to all the coaching & background staff, the players and everyone who is working at this historic club. I have shared dressing room with a fantastic group of players and made friends for life.

“It has been a pleasure and honor to wear the iconic green and white shirt. I’ll take all the good memories with me both domestically and in Europe.

“Lastly I want to thank the amazing fans that has been supporting and cheering me since the day I arrived. You have made every game both at the incredible Celtic Park and away games joyful. We missed you last season and I hope for the boys that you are back next season.

“I wish everyone all the best in the future.”

Former teammates respond to Elyounoussi Instagram message

The replies came quickly.

Albian Ajeti, Greg Taylor, Karamoko Dembele and Moritz Bauer were all fast in responding to the ex-Celtic winger.

No doubt, overnight, there’ll be more tributes from the Celtic minded. Adding a bit of international class to a Celtic side who desperately needed creativity from the left flank, Elyounoussi was a coup. Being able to bring him on loan at all only spoke to the odd decision making by Southampton.

In early June, Norwegian outlet VG claimed that Ralph Hassenhüttl wanted another look at the former FC Basel star. At last, it seems like the player signed for £16m in 2018 [BBC] will finally get a lasting opportunity for the Premier League outfit.

READ MORE: Turkish outlet claim Celtic are out of the race for right-back