OPINION
Celtic Football Club had a turbulent summer to say the least, with one of their best players departing before another key star nearly followed him out the door.
The players in question are obviously Moussa Dembele and Dedryck Boyata, both of whom have played important roles for Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead since his arrival.
Luckily for the Hoops, Boyata’s move away did not fully materialise, and the 6ft 2in Belgium international [Transfermarkt] was forced to get on with things despite becoming a target for fan abuse after his failed exit.
All has seemingly been forgiven after his improved displays at the back for the club this term, although his latest comments on the situation suggest that all is still not right between him and the club.
As quoted by Sky Sports, Boyata said: “Right now I’m in a position where I’m not supposed to say anything about what happened in the past. But I am fully committed with the team and I’m trying to give as much as I can whenever I’m on the pitch. I’m a Celtic player and I’m very happy to be a Celtic player. Whatever happens next, happens next.”
It seems as though Boyata has been told by the club to keep things quiet about the summer, and while that is understandable, the fact that he has told the press that is the case is worrying.
His follow-up comments about him being happy to be a Celtic player feel slightly forced, and his remarks about what comes next are also telling.
These are not really the words of a man who is fully remorseful of his actions in the summer, and it is likely that he still harbours some resentment over the fact he did not get that move away.
Whatever the situation is it must now be addressed by the club, with Boyata either to be sold and replaced in January, or to be kept happy until the summer when he can leave for free.
Either way, the club must not let things descend into another controversial situation, as that is the last thing they need after a rocky start to the campaign.