Samaras spent six and a half years a Celtic player.
Former Celtic striker Giorgios Samaras has explained via the club’s official website why he is not yet ready to return to Parkhead.
Samaras spent six and a half years in Glasgow, winning four Premiership crowns and three domestic cups in that time.
Such is the former Greece international’s affection for the Bhoys, he finds it difficult to talk about his past there and only watches the club’s games sporadically and via the internet.
When asked what Celtic means to him, Samaras told the club’s official website: “It’s a very strong connection and it’s the reason I can’t come back to Glasgow to watch a game. I’m not ready to come back to Glasgow as a fan, which I am, and watch the team. It’s difficult for me to speak about my past as it’s only two years.
He added: “I don’t know how the other players feel when they are away from Celtic but, for me, it’s hard and that’s the reason why I don’t watch a lot of matches. But I promise you I will watch this one against Barcelona. I follow Celtic on the internet and that will stay the same until I feel able to come back as a fan.
“I am still playing football so maybe when I retire in five or six years it will be easier, but for now, it’s too difficult and it’s something I find it hard to express in the right words.”
Samaras arrived at Celtic from Manchester City on loan in 2008 and later signed a permanent deal in Glasgow, where he went on to score 71 goals in 245 appearances.
The 31-year-old was released at the end of the 2013-14 campaign and returned to England later that year with West Bromwhich Albion, before a spell on loan to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
He is now on the books of North American Soccer League side Rayo OKC, who are based in Oklahoma, although his contract there expires this winter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
