There aren’t many players who are as popular as Kieran Tierney.
Whether it’s Arsenal supporters or the Celtic fans, they really appreciate Tierney and how he conducts himself for the club.
When Tierney left Celtic for Arsenal in a £25 million deal in 2019, it was a club-record transfer for the champions of Scotland, and a big move for the left-back because he was joining one of English football’s biggest clubs.
But now that Tierney is back in Celtic colours, he has opened up on his return, and what he was being asked as soon as he left Glasgow six years ago.
Kieran Tierney on the ball for Celtic during the friendly against Sporting CP
Photo by DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Kieran Tierney on returning to Celtic from Arsenal
Tierney has a special relationship with the Celtic Park faithful because he is a boyhood fan, and he also came through the academy.
Therefore, it is no surprise that, as soon as he left Celtic for Arsenal, he was being asked, ‘when will you come back?’, as he told Sky Sports Football (03/08/25).
“To be fair, you do think like it,” stated Tierney on knowing he would return. “But you just never know because football can take you anywhere. You never know what’s going to happen next, or what your next move is going to be and what’s going to happen down the line.
“As soon as I left, people were asking me straight away, ‘when will you come back?’ Or ‘will you come back?’
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“I always left the door open, and I hoped there would be a chance. I think this time was just perfect for everybody, to be honest.”
Tierney on experiencing ‘one of the best moments’ of his career
Tierney’s first competitive game, on his return, was Celtic’s win over St Mirren on Flag Day over the weekend.
But those inside Parkhead also got to see one of their own playing during Celtic’s thumping win over Newcastle United in pre-season.
When Tierney came off the bench, he was given a rousing ovation, and he has since shared that it was ‘one of the best moments I have had on a football park.’
“It is (emotional) aye,” responded Tierney on returning to Celtic. “Especially the comeback to Celtic Park against Newcastle (in pre-season). That was, honestly, probably one of the best moments I have had on a football park, and it was a friendly.
“It just goes to show you how special it was, the atmosphere and the reception I got. For the fans, I am very grateful for that. It was amazing.”