“Twice as Good” – “I’m hungry to play again,” Jozo on his “great desire to get back”

As we reported earlier Jozo Simunovic has found a new club in his own hometown in Croatia, 18 months after being discarded by Neil Lennon and Peter Lawwell. Still only 27, Jozo has plenty of football left in him if he can maintain full fitness. And he’s certainly delighted to be back at a club ready to play football again.

Speaking to HNK Gorica’s official website the former Celtic defender is pleased to be home. “It is a nice feeling to return home, to a club from my hometown, after so many years abroad. I’ve been in this area for the last year, and now I’m home and in football terms.

“And I am overjoyed to be back in the training process and competitive rhythm. I am looking forward to everything that awaits us together,” Jozo said.

Jozo Simunovic of Celtic walks off the pitch after being red carded during the UEFA Champions League Qualifier between Celtic and Alashkert FC at Celtic Park on 18 July, 2018 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I left Celtic last summer, a lot has happened in the meantime, but nothing has happened until this agreement with Gorica. I am here now, completely focused on every workout, with a great desire to get back in the best possible shape as soon as possible.

“The injury has healed, everything is fine, now it’s just a matter of time to adapt to training and matches.”

Simunovic was of course the No5 at Celtic and famously scored that goal against Kilmarnock in the 67th minute while wearing that shirt in the match immediately after Cesar’s passing. Now that it appears he’s taken his new shirt number as a lovely tribute to another former Celtic hero, Harry Hood.

Jozo explains. “So far I have always worn a five, and now I have decided to take two, to be twice as good as before.”

Jozo Simunovic of Celtic celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie Stadium on 4 May, 2019 in Aberdeen, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

You will know that Matt Corr’s wonderful tribute to Harry Hood is titled Twice as Good and is published later this month. We’ll need to send Jozo a copy!

“Happy to be back! I’m hungry to play again! I can focus now completely on HNK Gorica. Im happy to meet my new teammates. Eager to feel that adrenaline rush during games! And I’m going to give everything…like I always did!” Jozo added on his twitter page.

Happy to be back! I’m hungry to play again! I can focus now completely on HNK Gorica. Im happy to meet my new teammates. Eager to feel that adrenaline rush during games! And I’m going to give everything…like I always did! 💯⚽💪🇭🇷🍀#HNL pic.twitter.com/J4NhZgdqRM

— Jozo Šimunović (@SimunovicJozo) October 20, 2021