‘It’ll be tough saying goodbye,” Paddy on ending his love affair with Celtic

PADDY ROBERTS spoke to the media today, perhaps for the last time as a Celtic player. Unfortunately it looks increasingly likely that there will be no fairytale transfer from Manchester City – it came so close to happening last summer but the chance was missed.

Paddy came back for another season though, with Celtic apparently paying over £1million in a loan fee but injuries and the form of James Forrest – who has had his best ever season as a Celtic player – have combined to limit Paddy’s appearances.

Yet we all know how good he is and most would be thrilled, delighted, over the moon etc etc if Celtic could sign him this summer.

Manchester City won’t play him and will be looking to sell him as his contract winds down. The likes of Leicester City and West Ham are reported to be planning £15million bids – and it that is the case, that’s way too rich for Celtic.

Paddy will be thinking of getting his 7th winners medal on Saturday – 3 league, 2 League Cup and 1 Scottish Cup are already his – and then round things off with a display in front of a packed Celtic Park on Sunday for the Broony testimonial.

“Yes, obviously I have been on loan and I will go back there when the Cup Final and the Scott Brown testimonial is over. It has been fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for any better. I have grown as a person and a player,” Paddy said.

“I came in January (2016) and played the back end of the season, scored a few goals and won the league, which was a good start. Then the manager came in to get the Treble, and to carry it on has been incredible.

“Coming to an end at any club is hard, especially for how long I have been here with the support and love I have got from Celtic fans and I have for them. It will be tough but that’s what happens in life, you move on and hopefully it can end on a high.

“That’s the aim. To get the double-Treble would be something.

“All the boys are looking forward to it, we are focused for it and that is the main aim for all of us, especially for me, in the last game, to end it with a positive result and a trophy.

“I know I haven’t played as much – which is down to injury – which is unfortunate, disappointing for myself. But for the team to kick on and continue their success from last season and put in the performances they have done, has been good.

“I didn’t play many games at Fulham or Man City. I have played nearly 80 games for Celtic, I have matured as a player, I have won trophies, played and scored in big games.

“I can take a lot and can come away from here having a successful time at a club – one I can cherish for the rest of my career.”

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The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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