YESTERAY Celtic announced that they had cut their losses by ending the contract of Nadir Ciftci a year early. The player is now free to pursue other options and clubs will be able to deal with him within their own wage structure, rather than look at the wages he was due at Celtic.
Having had his contract paid up, it’s time for a new start for the striker, who ended last season at Motherwell where he seemed to enjoy his football. The beaten Scottish Cup Finalists have already declared an interest in talking to Ciftci about joining them on a permanent basis.
Ciftci though took some time to speak about his time as a Celt and although it clearly didn’t work out for either the club or the player himself, he has no regrets and leaves with no bad feeling towards anyone at the club.
“It was unbelievable to be a part of Celtic for the last three years — even though I was in and out,'” he said.
“In football, things don’t always happen the way you want them to. It doesn’t always work out.
“My time at Celtic didn’t go the way I wanted it to but I can only say thanks to the fans and everyone at the club.
“The supporters at Celtic are beautiful and I really appreciated the backing that they gave me.
“There were ups and downs but I still learnt so much from being part of that club, and it will help with the rest of my career.
“Sometimes you learn more from the bad times than the good times.
“I’d never regret signing for Celtic. It was the right decision for my career at the time and I enjoyed the good times.
“It didn’t work out in the end but I thank every single person at the club — especially the fans.
“I have no issues with Brendan or anyone at the club. I worked hard and I had a good relationship. I leave on good terms and I wish them all the best.”
