Celtic winger Patrick Roberts has issued a farewell message to fans on Twitter after his departure from the club – but fans hope he’ll return.
Roberts took to his personal Twitter account on Tuesday morning to thank the staff, players and the fans of the club, as he prepares to return to Manchester City after his loan deal expires.
Whatever happens it has been a pleasure to play for this club! Thanks to the staff, players & fans for an unforgettable season. Hail Hail ?? pic.twitter.com/z0sP87bWU0
— Patrick Roberts (@patrick7roberts) May 30, 2017
He said: “Whatever happens it has been a pleasure to play for this club. Thanks to the staff, players and fans for an unforgettable season. Hail hail.”
The 20-year-old moved to Parkhead on an 18-month loan spell in January 2016, and made 60 appearances for the Scottish club in all competitions, contributing 17 goals and 21 assists.
But his loan deal is up for expiry at the end of the month, and Roberts looks set to return to Premier League giants Manchester City to compete for a role in the first-team squad ahead of next season.
Roberts has become a fan favourite during his time in Scotland, and Celtic fans have urged the club to do whatever possible to retain his services beyond the terms of his current deal.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LizMcCallion/status/869478598763315200
https://twitter.com/Liam_O_Hare/status/869481348389638149
Announce 5 year deal or I go to police
— Jack Young (@Young_67) May 30, 2017
— C Boyle (@CB0YL3) May 30, 2017
Thanks for everything Patrick, best of luck with your career wherever you go, there's always a place at Celtic Park kid ??
— Joe Paterson (@onekinghenrik) May 30, 2017
???? pic.twitter.com/4XwLRh6IDj
— Marty Strong (@martystrong88) May 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/marcmcardle1/status/869524526849241088
— ??? ???????? (@joebhoy1989) May 30, 2017
Ahead of his return to Man City, Roberts has admitted he wants to be playing ‘every week’, opening the door to another potential loan move if is not granted an important role under Pep Guardiola.
But Celtic would not likely be the only club interested in his services, should he become available for another loan spell, although his previous affiliation with the club would stand them in good stead.
Meanwhile, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers would not likely pass up the opportunity to re-sign Roberts, given his value to the team over the course his one-year reign.