Matt O’Riley remains a Celtic fan favourite, even to this day.
O’Riley left Celtic in the summer of 2024 to become the Bhoys’ most expensive transfer sale in the history of the club.
The Denmark midfielder’s time at Brighton got off to the worst possible start after Celtic hero O’Riley suffered a horrific injury on his first start for the club.
But now, as the new Premier League season starts, O’Riley has shown Celtic remain close to his heart after hearing a Brighton teammate talk about Celtic Park.
Celtic FC v Kilmarnock FC - cinch Premiership
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Matt O’Riley agrees with Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper’s Celtic Park claim
O’Riley was at Celtic for three fantastic seasons as he ripped apart Scottish and European teams in his time at the club.
And after hearing Brighton teammate Maxim De Cuyper talk up Celtic Park, O’Riley showed he’s still a Bhoy at heart.
Brighton defender Lewis Dunk asked Maxim De Cuyper, “What’s your favourite ground you have ever played at except the Amex.”
De Cuyper replied, “Celtic Park.”
Beating his chest, O’Riley replied, “Always.”
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De Cuyper played at Parkhead in the Champions League when Celtic drew with Club Brugge last season.
Now at Brighton, De Cuyper is O’Riley’s teammate but it’s clear Celtic fans have left a lasting impression on both players.
What Matt O’Riley once told Brighton supporters about Celtic fans
When O’Riley left Celtic to join Brighton, he couldn’t speak highly enough of the Hoops support.
This is what he told Brighton fans about playing in front of a packed Celtic Park, “Of course, but I was also aware that whatever I did on the pitch contributes to so many fans’ happiness.
“Because they’re so mad up there to the point where I know when they’re at their daily jobs, they’re having a bad time with their Rangers pals the whole week, if the result’s not good.
“I think for me as a player, in terms of preparation to go somewhere else, it’s perfect, just because the demand is so high.”