Kieran Tierney played what could be his last game for Arsenal on Sunday night, coming off the bench in the closing minutes of their 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates. The crowd gave him a big cheer and sang his name, showing their respect and appreciation for a player who gave everything during his time in North London.
The game was Arsenal’s second-last of the season and the win secured second place in the Premier League. But the story of the night was all about Tierney. His brief appearance was a quiet goodbye, one that spoke volumes. He’s now set to return to Celtic in the summer after agreeing a pre-contract with the Hoops. He’ll officially become a Celtic player again once his Arsenal contract ends in June.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Arsenal v Brentford – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – April 12, 2025
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney celebrates scoring a goal with Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Arsenal’s Jorginho that was later disallowed Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Tierney left Celtic in 2019 in a £25 million move that made him the most expensive Scottish player at the time. He became a fan favourite at Arsenal for his commitment, hard tackling, and energy. But injuries and new signings pushed him down the pecking order. This season, he barely featured for Arsenal and was sent on loan to Real Sociedad in Spain last season.
Celtic tried to bring him back in January to help with their Champions League push. Brendan Rodgers wanted him and fans were desperate to see him return. But Arsenal refused to let him go early. They wanted to keep him around until the end of the season, even though he wasn’t playing much. This decision didn’t sit well with Celtic fans, who felt the club missed out on a key signing.
The choice to block the move came from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, a former Rangers player. That only made the situation worse in the eyes of some supporters. Many felt that Tierney was ready and willing to return, and that Arsenal should’ve let him go back to the club where he started.
Arteta said: (talkSPORT), “With Kieran, he had a very special circumstance the way he had to come back and settle in the team again after four months out, and he’s been really good with the group.
“He has contributed in every possible way to help us and I’m very grateful for that.
“We have a few in the dressing room that probably is going to be the last time they put on that shirt in the Emirates.
“I’ve been there and I make sure we are close to them and I am very grateful to them as well.”
Tierney’s return to Celtic is a big moment. The Hoops have lacked a top-quality left-back since he left in Europe. He knows the club inside out, and fans will be glad to see him back in the Hoops. At 27, he still has plenty to offer. His experience in England and Spain will bring extra quality to the squad.
14th May 2025; Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic and Greg Taylor of Celtic
Greg Taylor has done everything to fill the void, but Tierney will add that extra attacking threat at left-back. However, with Taylor seemingly set to leave, it looks to be one in and one out at left-back for the Hoops.
For now, Celtic fans will have to wait a few more weeks. But the homecoming is nearly complete. Kieran Tierney is coming back to Paradise.
Tees for Tims - Jota Celtic