Dedryck Boyata reckons that his decision to walk away from his development, or lack of it, at Manchester City and take a chance at establishing himself at Celtic is the best decision he’s made in his career and the principal reason why he’s now a regular starter in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium side, which is currently ranked as the best on the planet.
The Hertha BSC captain Dedryck Boyata is free to leave the German capital club this summer, according to Bild, so there will be worse suggestions than the idea that a return to Glasgow might just suit the 30 year-old Belgium star.
The German tabloid reported that Hertha are prepared to offload the former Celtic central defender for the right price. Boyata struggled with injuries in the 2020/21 season, making just 19 appearances for Hertha in all competitions and as his contract expires in 2022, it looks like the time for Hertha to try to make some money based on his profile at the European Championships.
Along with Boyata, Niklas Stark, Marton Dardai, Jordan Torunarigha and Omar Alderete and competing for the places in central defence at the German capital club.
“I was coming through at Manchester City, where the competition was intense,” Boyata stated, as reported by Glasgow Times. “And the decision to go to Celtic, where I played many more matches, really helped me.
“And now I am not saying I should play, because things are always fluid. But since Roberto Martinez started picking me again, he has given me so much confidence. A very big moment for me was the 2018 World Cup. It had been a difficult season with the injury from January to April.
“But I worked very hard to get in to that squad, and was given the chance after injuries to Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen to play in the early matches, and did okay.
“My preferred position is in the middle of the three at the back, but I have played on the left and we try different positions in training.
“Every player has their own way of dealing with matches. But the confidence that the coach has given to me is playing a big part in my performances for Belgium.
“At 30 now I have matches behind me, and experience of major tournaments. I know how to deal with the pressure. My role against Russia was to take care of Dzyuba. We knew Russia would look to him for his power, and I was able to do what was needed to stop him.”
Boyata went to the 2018 World Cup with one year remaining on his contract and with Brendan Rodgers, the then Celtic manager keen to get him to sign a new deal. That didn’t happen and Celtic actually turned down a £10m bid from Fulham before the Belgium played out the next season to become a free agent. He was injured (hamstring) in the win over theRangers in the match James Forrest scored a late winner and we found out that punching an opponent in the face is not a red card offence when Bobby Madden and his Ibrox favourites are involved.
Boyata made a call to come to Celtic once before and certainly did not live to regret it. Maybe history could repeat itself this summer?
Would ye?…Aye!
He can go and f## k himself.