Ange Postecoglou showed his class tonight when asked about Leigh Griffiths’ Celtic future. After Celtic’s 2-0 win over Hibs, the Australian confirmed that Griffiths would depart the club after eight years in the Hoops.
One of Postecoglou’s first decisions was to sanction an extension for Griffiths. Although, within days, Griffiths was making the headlines for the wrong reasons. This resulted in being booed by sections of the Celtic support support in the pre-season friendly against West Ham.
Despite this, Postecoglou paid tribute to the departing striker after the first game of 2022.
“I think that’s come to an end, yeah,” Postecoglou told Sky Sports News when asked about Griffiths’ time at Celtic.
“Leigh is now looking for the next chapter of his career.
“An outstanding football career at Celtic. All of us, we kind of pass through clubs, but you want to leave a mark there when you do.
“Leigh has certainly done that. I think he can look back on his Celtic career with great pride and he goes on to the next chapter of his football career. We wish him all the best.”
Postecoglou was questioned for the decision to offer Griffiths the deal and subsequently when the social media storm broke about the former Scotland Internationalist. A loan to Dundee seemed like the inevitable parting of the ways was near but the mid-season termination took many by surprise.
The 31-year-old scored 123 goals for Celtic in 261 appearances but off-field issues plagued the striker’s time in Glasgow. Although, he will depart with a place in Celtic’s all time scoring charts as well as an excellent haul of winners medals.
Postecoglou could’ve simply refused to be drawn into the matter but he played Griffiths the respect that his goals for Celtic warranted. It is a classy gesture from the manager, who could have easily palmed off Griffiths given that he let him down after giving him a deal.
