The Croatian defender is now returning to Celtic Park to challenge for a first team spot under Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action
Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has sent Bhoys supporters a message on Twitter outlining his commitment to the club after his switch to Torino fell through.
The 22-year-old had looked like he may join Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart in moving to Turin, travelling to Italy to complete a deal before the transfer deadline.
However, as BBC Sport reports, Celtic and the Serie A outfit could not agree on a transfer fee for the Croatian, who had passed a medical despite plenty of injury problems in his debut season in Glasgow last year.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic (front) in action
And with Simunovic now having to return to Parkhead to try and challenge for a first team spot, the player explained the situation to fans, and outlined his commitment.
The message is written out below and embedded from Twitter.
“A lot has been said in the last few days,” Simunovic wrote in a message published on Twitter. “I prefer to talk only on the field, but this time I want to say something to the Celtic fans who have always supported me and as a player it meant a lot to me. Behind me is “turbulent” period, starting from injury until transfer to Turin.
“I just want to say that it is not true that I have not passed medical in Turin. Everything was perfect, I am completely healthy and fit! Transfer was not realised because the Torino at the last minute wanted to change the initial agreement with Celtic.
“An most important of all.
“My head is in Celtic and I’m 100% focused on the field and the challenges ahead. I am fit, I train with the team, and of course the couch decides when I will start to play. And when I start, I can promise one thing. I’m going to give more than maximum, for Celtic!”
After moving from Dinamo Zagreb for a sizeable fee just ahead of the September deadline last year, the defender has not had any easy time in Glasgow.
Simunovic is yet to feature for Brendan Rodgers this season, and was restricted to 18 appearances last year after experiencing a number of injury problems, but there is little doubt that he is eager to make an impression on the former Liverpool boss now he is certain to stay in Glasgow.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic celebrates scoring
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