KIERAN TIERNEY may be away from Celtic but he is still keen to talk about them whenever he can. The 23-year-old left the Scottish Champions last summer in a £25m move to Arsenal. It was a difficult move for Tierney, the emotional attachment to Celtic and then injuries curtailed his progression in North London. However, a year on, a new manager, an FA Cup and a Community Shield, Tierney is firmly a favourite in the red of Arsenal.
Speaking to Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who also played for Celtic under John Barnes from 1999-2000, shared the love with Tierney about a man that they both loved from the Parkhead club – Swedish striker Henrik Larsson.
“With Celtic we have that link in common. I was there for like, I think it was six months.
“When I went there Henrik had broken his leg. He took me for something to eat and it was literally like Jesus was walking down the road, the way the fans were.
“In respect to the fans, the love they had for you, I’m feeling like I’m getting the same vibe here. Can you feel how much that we’ve kind of like taken to you? What do you think it is?”
Tierney speaks for all the Celtic support when he tells Wright “He’s the king” relating to Larsson.
“The fans at Celtic were amazing.”
The left-back made over 170 appearances for Celtic, winning five league titles and three League Cups and Scottish Cups during his time whilst enjoying hero status with supporters as being ‘one of us’.
Tierney is a product of Celtic’s Academy and a lifelong supporter but his sale is also part of the club’s business plan. Produce and sell top talent and reinvest – whether they always do this is debatable but Tierney was a top servant and is welcome back anytime.
Larsson meanwhile is Assistant Manager at Barcelona, a role that highlights his class and standing in football. He is one that is truly loved at the Scottish Champions and it speaks volumes that Wright, someone who played with him for such a short period speaks so highly of him.
