Former Celtic right-back Jeremie Frimpong has reflected on his time at the club with gratitude after catching up with a few of his old teammates following Scotland’s 4-0 loss to the Netherlands a week ago.
The vivacious defender started the match for the Dutch, completing just over an hour. At full-time, he could be seen laughing with Ryan Christie and speaking to Craig Gordon, two men with whom he spent time at the Hoops.
Frimpong was an adorned figure in Glasgow’s east end, the Parkhead faithful quickly taking to his infectious personality.
The now 23-year-old shortly became a fan favourite after he broke into the team. Neil Lennon initially handed him his first opportunity, and Frimpong expressed his appreciation to the club for taking a chance on him.
He said: [Glasgow Times] “I am so grateful for my time at Celtic.
“They gave me a big chance. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be playing with Bayer Leverkusen, and I wouldn’t have the chance to go to the Euros [in] Germany this summer.
“My time at Celtic was so special. In my first season, we won the Treble.
“I’ll forever be grateful to Celtic, especially to the fans and the way they were so welcoming. They really took me in.
“I know there are some young players at Celtic now and I would just say it’s an unbelievable place to play football.”
With Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong is currently flying. He has registered 11 goals and as many assists in all competitions this campaign with his team firmly in the hunt for the Bundesliga title.
The Dutch internationalist, though, hasn’t forgotten his initial senior football roots as he caught up with some players who are still at Celtic after his country played Scotland last week.
He said: “It was great to see some familiar faces. It was nice to speak to Ryan Christie, Craig Gordon, Tony Ralston and Greg Taylor. It was nice to talk about the old times and the success we had.”
“I know a few of them have left the club as well, but some of them are still there. I still look to see how they are doing and I believe they can come strong and have a successful end to the season.”
