Nir Bitton has finally posted a farewell message to Celtic fans on Instagram after the club confirmed they would not be renewing his contract – prompting Joe Hart, Patrick Roberts and plenty more to react.
Bitton, 30, joined the club in the summer of 2013 and has since gone on to play 271 games for Celtic. Not always first choice but always available, Bitton has clocked up 15 major honours during his time at Parkhead.
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Celtic confirmed that the midfielder – who is also able to play in the middle of defence – would be leaving the club this summer, alongside Tom Rogic. Now, the 39-time Israel ace has posted a touching message to Celtic fans.
Bitton thanked the club for his nine years wearing Glasgow’s green and white, and also paid tribute to the supporters for sticking with him – through both ups and downs. He posted a video lasting almost five minutes.
Roberts and Hart react: Bitton posts farewell to Celtic fans
It leaves Celtic with a hole in their midfield. Bitton played 38 times last season, acting as cover for Callum McGregor and the centre-backs when unavailable. He also played alongside the Celtic skipper at times.
Celtic have James McCarthy, Yosuke Ideguchi and Ismaila Soro – but the latter is being targeted by Neil Lennon. McCarthy has failed to live up to expectation while Ideguchi has been the worst of the four Japanese signings.
Bitton will need replacing – not least because of his quality as a player, but he was well-liked in the dressing room. So much so, that plenty responded to his post, including Hart and Roberts.
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