STUART ARMSTRONG has opened up on his Celtic departure as well as revealing that he didn’t realise just how big the Scottish Champions were until he signed for them.
The 28-year-old left Celtic in 2018 to join Premier League side Southampton for a fee of £7m. The ex-Dundee United man spent 3-and-a-half years at Celtic Park, winning four league titles, two league cups and two Scottish cups and reflects on his time in Glasgow fondly.
“It was very exciting but I don’t think I realised just how big the club is, what it means to fans, the passion, the noise of the stadium.
“I’ve got friends who play for European clubs who say the atmosphere at Celtic Park is still the best they’ve experienced.”
The midfielder has claimed that as much as he enjoyed his time at Celtic, had he not left when the opportunity presented itself to play in the Premier League, he would have regretted it.
“The decision to leave was a tough one but if I didn’t pursue my dream to reach the Premier League then I’d have regretted it.
“When Southampton were interested the aura of the club, how they play, it really appealed to me.”
Armstrong enjoyed a purple patch during the Invincibles season, starring in a central midfield role and turning defence into attack. His goal after the restart in the Scottish Cup final was vital in Celtic wrestling back the initiative from the Dons.
INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr
The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.
If you have been reading Matt’s regular contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme or in the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.
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