Former Celtic defender, Hatem Elhamed, who recently departed the club to return to Israel, has described his Paradise exit as “disappointing.”
Several reports suggested that the full back was homesick as his family had returned to the middle east and he was left to his own devices during in lockdown. With that in mind, few people were surprised when Elhamed returned to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in January.
Neil Lennon admitted the move was as much for the player’s good as anything else, but according to the Daily Record, the defender has explained that it wasn’t that straightforward.
Elhamed said: “I have mixed feelings about coming back home. I had a very hard time in Glasgow because I was alone due to the Covid restrictions. I was not allowed to go anywhere and I had to be home all day. But I didn’t return just for that, I only came back because Hapoel are a big club with huge ambitions.
“I had a very successful season and a half at Celtic professionally. But I had a period of injury of three to four months that halted my progress, and I didn’t play which was disappointing.
“Personally, I am delighted to return to a club I have a big connection with and I was very happy to see some fans too. I am convinced we will fight for the title and be in the Champions League next season.”
