Many players have left Celtic to seek pastures new in recent years, but not all have succeeded. HITC Sport takes a look at some of the players who probably regret having left Celtic Park.
1. Gary Hooper
Gary Hooper likely had international stardom in his eyes when he left Celtic Park for newly promoted Norwich City back in 2013. After 82 goals over three seasons for Celtic, the striker had certainly earned himself a shot at the Premier League, but after just six goals and a relegation, Hooper now finds himself warming the Sheffield Wednesday bench.
2. Liam Miller
After joining Manchester United in 2004, expectation was high for youngster Liam Miller, who many had dubbed the future successor to Manchester United captain, Roy Keane. But after just nine league games for the Red Devils, Liam Miller departed for Sunderland, who were ironically managed by…Roy Keane.
3. Georgios Samaras
Celtic’s Georgios Samaras
Enjoying some of his best years at Celtic Park, Greek striker Georgios Samaras gutted many Celtic fans when he departed the club in 2014 for West Bromwich Albion. After just five appearances for the Baggies, Samaras is now plying his trade in the Spanish second division.
4. Adam Matthews
Another Celtic defender who much was expected from, Adam Matthews left The Bhoys in 2015 for Premier League side Sunderland. However, the defender quickly fell out of favour under boss Sam Allardyce, and after a loan spell down south, the defender soon joined Bristol City.
5. Aiden McGeady
Preston’s Aiden McGeady
Many were dismayed to see McGeady leave Celtic in 2010 for Russian side Spartak Moscow, but the winger showed his class abroad and earned himself a move to Everton in 2014. However after some pretty patchy form the winger soon found himself on the move again, and is now trying to resurrect his career at Championship side Preston North End…and he’s doing quite a good job of it so far!
6. Shaun Maloney
Maloney has enjoyed plenty of success since departing Celtic in 2011, enjoying silverware with Wigan Athletic as well as a promising spell with Chicago Fire in the MLS and Hull City. However, the attacking midfielder is now struggling for game time, and after being a popular figure at Celtic Park, he many rue the day he left The Bhoys for a second time.
7. Ramon Vega
Winning three trophies in just one season with Celtic, many were surprised to see the Swiss defender join Watford instead of The Bhoys on a permanent basis back in 2001. And after a rotten spell with the Hornets, Ramon Vega himself might wonder why he didn’t as well, finishing his career in 2003 with French side Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos.
Celtic’s Ramon Vega celebrates after winning the Scottish Premier League
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