Kieran Tierney has broken his silence following his return to first-team action for Arsenal amid escalating interest from Celtic.
The Scotland star made his return to Mikel Arteta's side for the first time in 19 months after battling back from a hamstring injury suffered at the Euro 2024 campaign - starting on the left wing in the Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace. However, he limped off after just 65 minutes sparking fears over more injury misery for the 27-year-old with his contract at the Emirates ticking down.
Tierney has been told by Arsenal that they won’t be taking up the additional option in his contract - which means he will become a free agent at the end of the season. Record Sport understands Brendan Rodgers will push to try and seal an emotional Celtic return for the boyhood Hoops' fan to his former club - with Tierney making no secret of his desire to one day play for the club again.
But after making his return to the pitch for the Premier League heavyweights, Tierney appears to be keeping his focus on the Gunners. Posting to X, he said: "Feels amazing to be back out at the Emirates! Thank you so much for the reception… always grateful. Onto the semis."
And after the full-time whistle, boss Arteta played down fears over another long-term absence. Asked about Tierney being replaced, he said: “It was cramp."
He also insisted that a more forward role could be the perfect fit for the Scot, adding: "He's playing to his strengths. That's something that we have to continue to learn, because they give you a lot of information. They tell you not sometimes with their words but with a lot of information, where they feel more comfortable and certainly there is a much better fit for him."
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