Chelsea’s Islam Feruz has discussed leaving Celtic.
Islam Feruz
Chelsea-owned striker Islam Feruz has told The Scottish Sun that he wishes he had stayed at Celtic for longer having left for Stamford Bridge in 2011.
Feruz was born in Somalia but moved to Glasgow as a child, and he allegedly grew up supporting Celtic before joining the Bhoys at the age of just 10.
At just 11, Feruz was already playing with the Celtic Under-14’s, and was touted as a future star of Scottish football as he made his way up through the ranks at Celtic Park.
Islam Feruz
However, Feruz turned his back on the Bhoys in 2011, as he rejected a professional deal with the club and instead headed to England with Chelsea.
Having been called up by the Scotland Under-21’s at just 16, Feruz appeared to be on his way to stardom at Stamford Bridge, but like many young players before him, he’s found life with the Blues difficult.
Feruz, now 21, has yet to even make one competitive appearance for Chelsea, and has been farmed out on loan to OFI Crete, Blackpool, Hibernian and Mouscron-Peruwelz in recent years as his career has taken a nosedive.
Islam Feruz in action for Chelsea
There is time for Feruz to salvage his career, but having shown so much promise as a teenager, the striker is starting to look like a player who will never fulfil his potential having been criticised for his effort and application in recent years.
Now, Feruz has looked back on his decision to leave Celtic, and told The Scottish Sun that he regrets leaving so early, and if he could turn back time, he would have stayed for longer having had his head turned at just 15.
Feruz added that he would have done many things in his career differently and isn’t proud of some things, but believes he is now moving in the right direction.
Islam Feruz celebrates scoring for Chelsea
“I’m not going into every detail, but if I could turn the clock back I would definitely have stayed at Celtic for longer,” said Feruz. “Listen, I had my head turned at 15 years of age. I didn’t realise there was money involved in football. I just played football for the love of the game.”
“There is no doubting my ability as a footballer. I’m only 21. What I have to do is show everyone I have matured. There are many things in my life I’d do differently. Yes, I’ve done things I’m not proud of.”
“Thankfully, I have a few very good people around me now, two of whom are Amadou Anglade and Brian Wilson. They are wise men and they have different life experiences. I am wiser, learning from them and moving in the right direction,” he added.
Do you think Feruz made a mistake leaving Celtic?
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