Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic is glad that his move to Torino fell through on deadline day.
Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has told The Scottish Sun that he is glad his move to Torino fell through after the Bhoys won the Scottish League Cup on Sunday.
Brendan Rodgers’ side coasted to victory in the Scottish League Cup last weekend, as they hammered Aberdeen 3-0 at Hampden Park thanks to goals from Tom Rogic, James Forrest and Moussa Dembele.
The result gave Celtic the first silverware of the season, whilst also handed the Bhoys their 100th major trophy in their incredible history, and even gave Rodgers his first trophy as Celtic manager.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action with Rangers’ Jason Holt
Celtic are back in league action this weekend as they take on Motherwell, but one player has been reflecting on what Sunday’s win meant to him in relation to his situation at Celtic Park.
Croatian defender Jozo Simunovic joined the club from Dinamo Zagreb back in September 2015, as he arrived as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
In an injury-hit first season in Glasgow, which saw Simunovic make just 18 appearances in all competitions, Simunovic saw new manager Rodgers snap up Kolo Toure to aid his back line, forcing him down the pecking order.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action with Rangers’ Barrie McKay
Speculation subsequently surrounded Simunovic’s future, and whilst a deal to join Italian side Torino was on the verge of completion, the move fell through on deadline day in August, as reported by Sky Sports.
Now, Simunovic has told The Scottish Sun that he is glad that the move fell apart, as he would have missed out on that League Cup victory, and whilst it has been turbulent year for him at Celtic, he wants to focus on playing games and winning trophies.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic (front) in action
“If I had gone to Torino and watched Celtic win this cup, I would have been sad to miss it,” said Simunovic. “But Torino is over for me now. I just look to the future with Celtic. This year has been up and down for me. It has been very turbulent. But I just accept that. It was part of my football career.”
“The most important thing now is I am playing games and winning trophies with Celtic. To win this cup means a lot to me after everything that has happened over the last year. But I am a professional footballer and injuries happen. I accepted that and I have worked hard to improve,” he added.
Are you happy that Simunovic stayed at Celtic?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
