Cristian Gamboa joins Bundesliga side Vfl Bochum

FORMER CELTIC right back Cristian Gamboa has today signed for German side Vfl Bochum, who are in the Bundesliga 2. Gamboa’s contract with Bochum is for two years.

The Costa Rica international, who starred at the World Cup last summer, was released by the Celtic in May after his three year contract ended. Gamboa was another one of those strange Brendan Rodgers signings – the former manager was happy enough to sign Gamboa from West Brom for just over £1million but never seemed willing to play him.

Rodgers signed Gamboa at the end of August 2016, saying: “He’s very much on the front foot, he’s super quick, but first and foremost he can defend. So I’m looking forward to seeing him work and play with us.”

Gamboa was given an early chance to prove that he could defend when selected to start away to Barcelona in the opening group stages match in the Champions League, with the new Celtic manager’s football philosophy staying in place and Celtic aiming to go toe to toe with the Catalans. The result was horrendous. Barcelona 7 Celtic 0. It was a nightmare night for Celtic in general and Gamboa’s Celtic career never really recovered.

Celtic actually had two stand out right backs at the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Yet when they returned to Glasgow neither would have been particularly pleased with the way things would go. Sweden’s first pick right back Mikael Lustig played an enormous part in Celtic winning a third consecutive treble but behind the scenes no agreement could be reached on a new deal and he would leave the club to join Gent on a three year contract.

Gamboa did get a rare start against Partick Thistle last August in the League Cup match at Firhill and he was given the Man of the Match award that day and even had his name chanted by the Celtic support.

“I’ve been two years at the club and they hadn’t sung my name — so Saturday was really special, particularly as my family were here,” the full back today Celtic TV.

“I’ve been in the shadows, working hard, trying to get a chance and, at the weekend, me and my family got something back.

“Now I’ve got to keep going. This is the way I am. I will always keep going until the end.

“I’ve always tried to do my best and work hard. I may not have been getting game time but I’ve tried to keep myself on top.

“I’m happy as it’s a fantastic club. But, yes, my family and kids always helped me.

“On Monday it will be the same. I will keep working hard. I’ll be ready for the next game,” Gamboa said as reported on The Celtic Star.

Celtic brought in Jerry Toljan on loan in the January window from Borussia Dortmund and Lustig lost his place in the side, until the change of managers when Rodgers left in the dead of night to join Leicester City and Neil Lennon returned to the Celtic dug-out.

That was good news for Lustig in the short term but Gamboa remained frozen out of the side.

Yet he did not appear to be bitter about his frustrating time in the Hoops, and on his departure at the end of May he posted this message on social media to the Celtic support.

“I just want to thank you for making me and my family feel like home! We are leaving a piece of our hearts in Glasgow. Celtic will always have 4 Costa Ricans fans! Best of lucks!!! Pura vida!!!”

Everyone associated with Celtic will wish Cristian well in his new challenge in German football.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who 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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