Who Knows – perhaps the Daily Record is trying to make amends for playing fast and loose with a previous interpretation of Josip Juranovic’s words as was highlighted over the weekend by Joe McHugh at Video Celts, but whatever the reason today has seen the Record produce an article altogether more positive when it comes to Juranovic enjoying life at Celtic both on and off the field.
Hopefully more accurately this time around, Juranovic certainly doesn’t appear to be anything other than entirely content with life at Celtic.
“We all know what kind of club Celtic were when they used to be in the Champions League. Celtic are one of the best clubs in Europe. They get fantastic media coverage and they have great fans. When I was at Legia Warsaw and heard that Celtic were looking for me and the coach called me, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It’s another big step in my career, and I’m very lucky to have signed for them.
“I knew the captain Callum McGregor before I signed because we played against each other for Croatia against Scotland. There is a photo when I’ve got the ball and he’s behind me trying to tackle me which we have a laugh about.”
And it is not just the football side of life Juranovic seems to be enjoying at Celtic it appears Glasgow as a city and the people he there also meets with Josip’s approval, describing his experiences of ‘warm’ Glaswegians as a ‘wonderful experience’.
“As for Glasgow, it is a beautiful city, historically rich, but also modern. I like it and most importantly, the people are friendly and pleasant. I have had no awkward situations with either Rangers or Celtic fans and it’s been a wonderful experience.
“The Scots are pleasant, you feel like you’re at home, they ask for a photo, they invite you for a drink. Warm people.”
On the pitch Juranovic has been a superb signing. As a player we’ve clearly picked up a top-notch performer for a mere £2.5m, meanwhile his personality comes across as infectious whenever he’s in front of the media, you can only imagine therefore that he’s a top lad around the changing room too.
And it appears Josip has his feet firmly on the ground and whether a highly paid footballer or not, it appears the player has strong values that would appear to marry well with the club he’s chosen to play for.
“My values are all about family, honesty and being a good person. I look at money in such a way that I can be sure my family, future wife and children do no not lack anything. I think everyone who works thinks that way.
“I never thought I was a star. This is my job, which I will do for a few years or so, and then I will do something else. But I have to work – I never want to be unemployed. I want to make the best of my life, but I have to work.
“I used to help a friend who had a cafe, I was also a waiter.
Atletico Madrid may well have shown an interest in Josip Juranovic, but I’d be more worried if big clubs weren’t interested in our talents, yet it appears Juranovic isn’t one to down tools or engineer an exit as we’ve experienced from wantaways in the all too recent past. Instead, it looks like Juranovic is happy and settled with Celtic and in Glasgow. Long may that continue!
Niall J
