Bitton, Nir

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“It’s been a hell of a journey for me, with lots of ups and downs. I’ve made so many memories. They will stay with me forever…”
Nir Bitton (2022)

Nir Bitton arrived at Celtic to help bulk up the midfield set of players. Quietly arriving with the Celtic support having little knowledge of his football background, it was a low key but interesting purchase.

The recent loss of Wanyama was a big gap to fill in midfield, few if any players were going to be found that filled his shoes, and Nir Bitton didn’t physically match him. Nevertheless, a good domestic reputation in Israel had sealed his transfer to Celtic, and his youth made him another long term project to watch out for.

He had a difficult start, and took time to gel in. A frustrating point was when he was sent off after only a few mins in his second Champions League match, after a daft and dangerous studs up challenge v Ajax. Showed he had a lot to learn, but everyone has these moments and it was something to learn from. Celtic still went on to win the match.

It didn’t get him down and he laced up his boots to kick on with his Celtic career, much to everyone’s hopes. He really grew as a player in the 2014-15 season building a fair midfield pairing with Brown. From early 2015 he was being increasingly noticed for his effective play, settling in well into Deila’s new pressing system of tactics. It was a great surprise, and with a cool head, he became indispensable and put in some surprisingly mature performances. He was to become a mainstay in the first team under Ronnie Deila.

One of the highlights of his time was an incredible 30 yard screamer into the postage stamp of the goals, from open play against Dundee in the league in May 2015. Such a goal would have been replayed endlessly if it was a big name, but he was still lauded to the hilts for this and it showed his quality and development. Remarkably that was first goal of the season, and we hoped it would give him confidence to try for more in the seasons ahead.

His best form was in season 2015-16, which was desperately needed as the Ronnie Deila managerial experiment floundered. Not afraid to take long shots, he scored some exceptional goals from long range that stood out. He could be quiet and then just pop up out of nowhere to fire in a chance. In a season that was floundering, he was helping to prop up the first team. However, he was magnet for disciplinary actions with a disproportionate number of cards handed out to him for mostly unnecessary challenges.

However, as Deila’s reign floundered, so did that of all the players and Bitton’s too. Once Brendan Rodgers arrived as manager in 2016-17, Bitton curiously became one of the few who did not seem to fall under his spell and develop. Bitton began to look passive, and wasn’t contributing as much as was required. Granted Celtic had begun to step up, but Bitton hadn’t.

He was still a regular starter, yet he seemed to be either losing confidence or losing interest, but then again he was here for a good time and he was now a father and so on. It could be more that he didn’t fit into the new system that Rodgers was implementing, and often a criticism was that Bitton did not take enough responsibility but instead just pass the ball along when possible.

He played through much of the ‘InVIncibles‘ season, with Celtic winning the treble undefeated domestically, but he was to be a name little tagged with the achievement. Scoring just the one goal meant this season he was a shadow of the player he was previously praised for by some. He should still be respected for his part in the achievement.

Nir Bitton had more technical ability than most players in this league, but he continued to play too often with too much passivity in the Celtic side. He needed to take charge as for example Scott Brown had again begun to do. When he shows some aggression, as he did in a 5-1 win over Rangers and a 3-3 draw with Manchester City, he became a more effective player. Unfortunately, that was no longer his default setting. He was too slow in his play in various games, both with and without the ball, and Celtic visibly improved when Stuart Armstrong took his place. Bitton was being clearly crowded out.

Bitton even had to come out and publicly counter those criticising his efforts. As Rodgers dream debut season as manager rolled on, Bitton was left on the sidelines. The squad had a surplus of performing midfielders and Bitton was behind in the queue. He was to play a part but not significant that season.

He was to be sidelined and relegated in the squad into the 2017-18 season but this was partly due to the form of players like Brown, Ntcham, Rogic and McGregor. With all due respect they were far better than Bitton, and were further developing, whilst Bitton wasn’t. Bitton’s name was rally lost or forgotten as the Rodger’s reign went on.

A silly tweet (in humour) on his return to ‘rainy Glasgow’ for the 2017-18 season didn’t help him, but shouldn’t be held against him, it was just humorous and not derogatory. There were plenty of good examples of where he reached out to supporters for photos and handing his own jerseys to young fans, when he was never asked to do so, it was a genuine decent & thankful gesture from him to others. He started the season as captain of a scratch side against Lyon in a friendly at Celtic Park, but he was playing at centre half to backfill a position, and was sadly out of his depth. He didn’t at first seem comfortable being reinvented as a centre-back but grew into it. He was to become more of a squad player to be used when required rather than as a first team starter, so his career was faltering at Celtic.

He was then out for most of 2018 with a knee injury, but the first team was to move on and into 2018/19 he was far from a first pick, relegated far back in the queue for a starting place.

Bitton finally returned to the Celtic first team in early 2019 after a long spell out injured and you could see his relief on his return. You could also see his emotions for the club too on this return. Problem was trying to best fit him into the team, who admittedly were still underperforming despite still being top of the league.

Into early 2019/20, there was a new manager (Neil Lennon) to impress, but Bitton was to remain mostly a squad player. However, with the match congestion and injuries, this gave Bitton opportunities, and he took the chances well. He was praised to the rafters for his performance v Sevco in a 2-0 win at Ibrox in September 2019 when Celtic were seen as the underdogs prior to the match. You could see his commitment, and gone was the nonchalant attitude. He was committed, he was happy and doing a solid job; basically an unsung hero who had really fallen in love with the first team.

It was possibly fair to say that those who were paying him some attention were now admitting that he was underappreciated. Maybe the injuries had an impact on him too which was part responsible for the new form.

He had grown to love Celtic, and was giving his all in matches. He was not a natural defender but rarely put a foot wrong, played any position asked to play, and no dramas when he wasn’t playing. Just want about his business doing his job with a good attitude. He was at Celtic for so long, it was part of him now.

Sadly not all supporters were convinced, and a few zealots took out their frustrations on Bitton after he was red carded v TheRangers in January 2021 after which Celtic lost 1-0, and this result practically ended the charge to ten-in-a-row. Bitton wasn’t at fault for the season, but it didn’t stop a few idiots from ranting against Bitton which was unhelpful. Bitton was not singled out by the majority, and his background was not any issue. The club regaled against the idiots with public statements and actions. Bitton deserved all our support.

He was though becoming more out the picture for the first team, and in the disastrous 2020/21 covid-affected season he was played ad hoc as a central defender but never looked comfortable. If anything, it made an already shambolic defence poorer. It wasn’t his fault, but he was professional and played as best he could.

Ange Poscetoglu Era

As Celtic’s challenge for any silverware that last season came to a bitter end, it was thought to be calling time on Nir Bitton & various others at Celtic, but thankfully not as he was to be a key squad player under the new regime. With Starfelt arriving and Jullien to return as well as the emergence of Dane Murray and Stephen Welsh, Bitton had the unwanted tag of a squad ‘utility’ player.

He’d long now been a squad member without always having been a regular first team player yet was retained, as incredibly he was closing in on almost ten years service at Celtic at this point so you could understand (especially after the upheavals with Covid) that he may have chosen to just go home with his family back to Israel, but he didn’t, and we were to be thankful for that.

He started under Ange Postecoglu still in defence as Celtic were hampered for choices, and followed up in July 2021 with a red card in the new manager’s first competitive match in a hot headed impetuous moment v FC Midtjylland. Coincidentally the match saw the emergence of fellow Israeli player Abada, who scored his debut goal for Celtic. Bitton apologised for his hot headed moment (“I lost my head for a second and got punished for that. Sorry again.”). In fairness he was riled up and it was handbags at most from Bitton. However, his career was dotted with some of these situations. He’d lost the confidence of the support but not the manager.

From here on in he was to be sporadically used, but gave his all whenever he came on. His performances were improving and he regained the confidence of the support. He was definitely rejuvenated under Postecoglu.

The addition of the young and popular fellow countryman Liel Abada likely helped Bitton. Possibly it was a reason Bitton was kept & stayed on, as well as having helped Abada to settle in.

One key game for Bitton was on 26th December 2021, when in an admittedly injury hit & decimated squad, Bitton & Abada started the match with the Israeli pair stealing the headlines. Bitton captained the side to give possibly his best performance for Celtic, and scored the best of the goals on the day with Abada having scored the others in a 3-1 away victory v St Johnstone in front of just 500 fans in a COVID restricted match. Bitton stated in the post-match interview:

“It’s a privilege for me to captain this club”.

Wonderful day for all, and he again deservedly took up the role in Callum McGregor’s absences in following matches.

He wrapped up his career at Celtic having completed his redemption after the unfortunate start in the Postecoglu era. The League and League Cup double were won against the odds in a great season for Celtic, and Bitton had played his part. You could argue that this last season for Bitton mirrored that of Celtic’s, with both down in the dumps at the start with a disastrous start with little expected into the long-run, only to prove all doubters wrong with some great success & deserved achievements.

Must add that his compatriot Abada spoke glowingly about Bitton as a mentor, and as Abada became a key player in his debut season for Celtic, credit and respect must be paid in part to Bitton for his role in this success.

It was announced that Bitton was to leave Celtic (along with Australian Tom Rogic) the day before the final league match of season 2021/22, giving both players a good way to say goodbye on field to the supporters.

He wrapped up his playing coming on as a sub for the final minutes in the end-season 6-0 win over Motherwell in the league, taking the captain’s armband from Callum McGregor who he replaced. He was given a deserved standing ovation as was given to Tom Rogic who was also playing his last match for Celtic that day. You could see the raw emotions in his face, both coming on to the field and then in the post-match interviews. He even had to be mostly consoled to help him in this emotional experience, and you couldn’t help but feel touched:

“It’s been a hell of a journey for me, with lots of ups and downs. I’ve made so many memories. They will stay with me forever so it’s very emotional for me. This is the club I’ve spent most of my career. To play for such a big club has been a privilege for me. It’s great to finish this journey with a title.”

In retrospect, in certain ways Bitton deserves to be identified with many of the great achievements over his time at Celtic, albeit he’ll be overshadowed by others like McGregor and Forrest, but he undoubtedly played his part. You could see the development in his maturity from what came over as having a youthful nonchalant attitude in his early days to what became clearly a fully committed player on the park for Celtic giving his all, although admittedly sometimes way over-committed leading to unnecessary cards!

Despite that, he’d experienced a wonderful era and was a respected part of the success, helping Celtic win nine league titles in a row, and was part of the historic quadruple treble squads. He’d made over 200 appearances in his time, clearly demonstrating his worth, and he showed in time what it meant to him to play for the club. He’d grown to have a genuine love for Celtic & the support, and it was returned in spades. A great reflection of this was his emotions after the 5-0 win over St Mirren in March 2020, which effectively sealed Celtic’s league title run to a record equalling nine league titles in a row:

‘After the [Celtic v Sevco] game everyone killed us, everyone wanted us to fail. But we knew’.

We wished him the best. He’ll be best remembered for his development at the club over the years, being part of a golden era, scoring some great goals and some fine performances along the way.

Post-Celtic

“I still speak with Niro a lot. He watches all of the Celtic games because Celtic is in his heart.”
Liel Abada on Nir Bitton (2023)

[….]

One aspect of Nir Bitton being at Celtic was that it was a way to prove the ecumenical outlook of the club and support. Granted, already the squad for many years could be like the league of nations, but following recent matches against Israeli sides in Europe, the embedded natural left-wing & liberal tendencies came to the fore. The Celtic support has always championed support for various genuine causes.

Sadly, the Israel/Palestine struggles were re-igniting during his tenure at Celtic [of which the related issues we will leave for discussion to a more appropriate forum]. Celtic fans have been generally left-leaning and sympathetic towards the Palestinian cause as was shown by the flying of flags at the matches v Israeli sides.

However, despite this, Nir Bitton was not targetted by the Celtic support and was respected. The odd unnecessary comment by the odd zealot in some voxpox was never reflective of the general support. Admittedly, there was a minority both within and outwith of Celtic who used the issue to target Bitton for their own ends. Bitton hit back at those targetting him which he was right to do, and won complete support from the majority, although some cynically took it as a deflection to his form on the field.

The issues concerning Israel/Palestine/Occupied Territories etc are with all due respect, outwith of the scope of this site and are best discussed in a more appropriate forum.

A tweet on twitter in support of his fellow countrymen serving in the army (for his own personal reasons) was not taken well by some within and outwith the support (and was avoidable), and really in general players across every club are warned to avoid political interaction or quotes for their own sake. It can lead to them being caught in the crossfire, especially from armchair warriors who can be extremely aggressive from the security of anonymity via social media

Sadly the club had to come out in support following some armchair warriors making derogatory comments directed at Biton, but as much as it was all bark without any bite, it was still unacceptable from whoever it came from. Biton was a good player for Celtic.

It did not affect his acceptance or integration into the club. It wasn’t a comfortable scenario, but he was always valued as a player, and it never was an issue to his place in the side. He was always shown respect & support by the Celtic coaching staff and the support. That is the benchmark, the Celtic Way.

“There is a small group of supporters who are pro-Palestine, but most of the Celtic supporters are not like this and I get a lot of respect and support from them… There are a lot of people in Europe who hate us, but I don’t experience antisemitism or hatred on a day-to-day basis.”

In an interesting note, Hatem Abd Elhamed (an Arab Israeli) joined Celtic in 2019 and the pair played together in the Celtic defence in various games, so one each of the Arab & Jewish population from Israel at Celtic.

Quotes

“All I want to do is stay at Celtic and keep improving myself as a player. This club is the best option for me.”
Nir Bitton (2015)

“I do not have a bad attitude – and I’ll prove it.”
Nir Bitton (Nov 2016)

“For myself, I just want to play. If I need to play centre-midfield, I’ll play centre-midfield. If I need to play centre-back, I’ll play centre-back. If I need to play goalkeeper, I’ll play goalkeeper. I’d love to pull on the gloves!”
Nir Bitton (2019)

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

• 2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2021-22
  
• didn’t play any games in the 2018/19 run

Pictures

• Player Pics

KDS

• Joins Celtic (Aug 2013)
• Celtic Thread

Celtic’s Nir Bitton hits out at fan abuse ‘for being Israeli’

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/celtic-s-nir-bitton-hits-out-at-fan-abuse-for-being-israeli-1-4743320

Published: 17:55
Tuesday 22 May 2018
Celtic’s Nir Bitton has slammed the supporters who subject him to abuse on social media for being Israeli and called on them to stop mixing politics and football.

The Ashdod-born player has had to contend with abuse from a section of the Celtic support in the past.

In 2014, Celtic fans reacted with anger when Bitton posted a copy of the Hebrew Prayer for members of the Israeli Defence Forces – with whom he completed mandatory military service prior to his football career.

A number of Celtic fans are known to be pro-Palestine and have protested against events in Gaza, particularly in European matches against sides from Israel such as Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Hapoel Be’er-Sheva.

Comments ranged from fans calling for the player to “never be allowed to pull on a Celtic shirt again” to supporters tweeting: “Your support of child killers is not wanted at [Celtic Park].”

However, many Hoops fans have offered their support to Bitton whenever he is subjected to hurtful messages, insisting that, as a Celtic player, he doesn’t deserve the abuse he receives.

A little over a week ago, a Hoops fan sent abuse to the midfielder after he had posted a photo celebrating Israel’s win in the Eurovision Song Contest. The individual replied to Bitton’s post congratulating compatriot Netta Barzilai by writing: “F*** you! Out our club!”

Bitton shared a screenshot of the message, telling his 73,000 followers: “This boy needs some love.” He also sent a reply saying: “Haha shut the f*** up… I’ll be here till my last second of my contract.”

But after his wife began receiving abusive messages on Instagram, the Israeli international hit back at the “idiots” who insult him.

The 26-year-old wrote on Instagram: “I’m just tired of replying to idiots who insult me because I’m Israeli… so I’m not gonna reply any more!

“I’m just ashamed of the people who insult me for such a thing like that… as a father, if you guys think I support the death of children or any human being then you are nothing but idiots!!!

“I’m all up for the banter but not when you guys [are] texting my wife’s instagram… I’ve been getting abuse for a while so I just felt that I had to say that!

“Don’t mix politics and football… you are better than that!! Love you all.”

BITTON’S DEBT TO LENNY

BITTON’S DEBT TO LENNY

By CQN Magazine on 11th May 2020 Latest News

NIR BITTON has revealed he is determined to make Neil Lennon proud as he looks forward to 10 years as a Celtic player.

The versatile Israeli international, 28, was brought to Parkhead during the Irishman’s first stint in August 2013 and he agreed a contract extension in December last year that will keep him at the champions until June 2023.

Bitton, who was out for almost an entire season through injury in 2018, has admitted he will be forever grateful to Lennon for being given the opportunity to play for the Parkhead club.

The team boss and the player, who is comfortable in central defence and midfield, were reunited in February last year, of course, when Brendan Rodgers made his sharp and unexpected exit to Leicester City.

WELCOME BACK, BOSS…Nir Bitton celebrates with Euan Henderson after James Forrest’s goal in the 2-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle in February 2019 – Neil Lennon’s first game on his return to the club.

Bitton, who is in his homeland during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, told Celtic TV: “He’s the manager who brought me to Celtic, he’s the manager who gave me the opportunity, and I’ll be very grateful to him for the rest of my life.

“Me and the gaffer have a very good relationship. He’s a very honest man, he’s a top man to work with, the one-on-one coaching is the top level and I’ll do everything I can to make him proud.

“He returned last season under not the easiest of circumstances. It was a tough time when Brendan left. For us, the senior players, we knew him from before and obviously we tried to help him, speak to the other guys about what he wants, what he’s like.”

It transpired to be a glorious comeback as Lennon guided the team to an eighth successive crown as well as adding the Scottish Cup with a 2-1 victory over Hearts at Hampden on the iconic date of May 25 to complete the historic treble treble.

The smooth operator added: “When I first signed with Celtic when I was 21 years old, if you had told me back then that I would be at Celtic for 10 years, I would have bitten your hand off.

“It’s like a dream come true for me, for my family to play at this level for a long time and I just want to keep it going and to try and help the team win games and trophies and be part of this successful club. And also to make sure we’re making everyone proud.

“When you’re out for almost a year, and you suffer a tough injury, you start to appreciate the small things in life. You don’t take the simple things in life for granted. I’ve said it before, that every single minute I get on the pitch I will try to do my best and try to help the team.

“Right now, for me, it’s about trying to stay fit, stay healthy and aim to play as many games as I can and win trophies with Celtic.”

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Perhaps Ange Postecoglou has made a call on Nir Bitton’s time at Celtic

By Niall J 9 May, 2022

https://thecelticstar.com/perhaps-ange-postecoglou-has-made-a-call-on-nir-bittons-time-at-celtic

There was a time at Celtic where a one-year contract extension for Nir Bitton would have been triggered without a second thought, indeed his contribution of 11 starts and 12 substitute appearances may even have warranted thoughts of a new two or even three-year deal, with the assumption the player was a key part of a squad game, alongside protecting a future transfer fee for the club.

Nir Bitton passes the ball under pressure from Dylan Levitt during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 29, 2022. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Instead, it seems Bitton may be seeking a new employer this summer – going by his recent social media output adding to the recent report by Israeli broadcaster Sport 5 – and if that’s indeed the case it should have a few others in the Celtic squad on the phone to their agent.

The 30 year old Celtic veteran told Sport 5, as translated by The Jewish Telegraph: “I’m not at the stage where I want to return to Israel. I love Israel and Israeli football and I watch many games and I have a wish in the future to return to Israel.

“If there is a team in Israel who is showing interest and wants me very much then it might be difficult for me to refuse.”

Bitton also spoke about a move to Spanish football that almost happened back in 2016 and discussed his relationship with the Celtic support, as an Israeli playing for a club where there is support of the Palestinian cause.

“Looking back, in retrospect, in 2016 I had a very big offer from Espanyol and then Brendan Rodgers arrived at Celtic and Brendan did not want to release me,” Bitton said about that situation.

When asked about fans raising the Palestinian flag, he responded: “There is a small group of supporters who are pro-Palestine, but most of the Celtic supporters are not like this and I get a lot of respect and support from them.

“There are a lot of people in Europe who hate us, but I don’t experience antisemitism or hatred on a day-to-day basis.

And on Liel Abada, who they describe as the ‘Israeli wonderkid’ Bitton said: “It’s difficult for new players to acclimatise. Glasgow is a grey city and the restaurants were closed because of Covid and family life was limited in lockdown and so things became difficult.”

Abada, who was recently named as the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, was quoted in this report thanking Nir Bitton for helping him settle in Glasgow. “I want to thank the fans, the coaches and particularly Nir. Nir has become like a big brother to me. When I came here he made sure I had everything I need. On top of being a really good player, he’s a top human being. “Nir and his family have really helped me settle in Glasgow. I can’t explain how much he’s helped. He even cooks for me.”

Remember that Jewish Telegraph reporting on interview with Nir Bitton given for to an Israeli media outlet, with their own translation being used for the English version.

There are pointers in that and in that Instagram post after the 4-1 win over Hearts at the weekend, as comments upon by Everything Celtic below, that points to a decision perhaps already having been reached or one that is going through that process.

Why does Nir Bitton’s Instagram stories make me think he’s leaving? pic.twitter.com/Vp5PFqTqFu

— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) May 7, 2022

Is this decision one that Nir Bitton has reached or has it been the case that Celtic have decided against the additional year option on his contract after nine years of outstanding service from the always reliable utility player.

If so there is a ruthlessness to any such decision, assuming it’s not the player himself who felt another year at Paradise wasn’t for him. After all, Bitton has been a player who whilst not a first pick, was still one who seemed to be within the small group of players the manager chose to trust on any given matchday. If Bitton is deemed as surplus to requirements there are a good few who will know the gemme’s a bogey at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou.

John Guidetti (obscured) is congratulated by Nir Bitton (6) as he scores their third and equalising goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 first leg match between Celtic and FC Internazionale Milano on February 19, 2015 . (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Vasilis Barkas, Christopher Jullien, Boli Bolingoli, maybe James McCarthy, Ismaila Soro, Karamoko Dembele and Albian Ajeti are all players marked as first team squad players who will know, whether protected financially by longer contracts than Nir Bitton or not, if they’ve not impressed the manager enough to enter his circle of trust by now, chances are they never will.

Even those who have made the squad such as James Forrest and Mikey Johnston, but could be excused by injury blighted campaigns, will know if their time isn’t up, it’s running short when it comes to convincing Postecoglou they are worth considering as long-term solutions going forward.

There are also eleven younger players out on loan and many of those may well consider Celtic is perhaps not where their long-term career prospects would be best served. Osaze Urhoghide has an option to buy attached to his deal with KV Oostende, which perhaps signifies the club’s intent, Liam Shaw is on loan at Motherwell, but not a regular by any means.

Meanwhile remnants of previous regimes such as Luca Connell and Jonathan Afolabi are also unlikely to be considered first team material now, and of the two goalkeepers, Ross Doohan and Conor Hazard, plying their temporary trade at Tranmere Rovers and HJK Helsinki there may be room for one as a back-up to a back-up next season but certainly not for both.

Ange Postecoglou has already intimated this summer will see first team ready players targeted in the transfer window, that public comment was clearly designed to keep players on their toes for the remainder of the season and ensure discipline in the summer recess, but it was also a sign that if you haven’t made his squad cut by now then doing so next season will be nigh on impossible.

The decision – if it has been reached – not to trigger Nir Bitton’s extension would be a further shot across the boughs of those in the first team squad but not quite a fit for the Postecoglou style of play. And whether relatively new to the club, or an experienced performer who has served the club well, there is clearly little room for sentiment. And you can see now just why Postecoglou keeps a distance from the players, because decisions like that of Nir Bitton and others to follow have to be made without too close a personal relationship influencing tough calls.

There is also one other thing to note. In the days of Peter Lawwell, a decision to trigger Nir Bitton’s one year extension may have been made above the manager’s head. As with Scotty Sinclair, an extra year on a contract, even if the player was not likely to play, would have resulted in Celtic being able to ask for a transfer fee.

This move signifies Postecoglou has a level of autonomy around his playing squad that perhaps other managers have not been afforded. That certainly bodes well when it comes to decisions on who leaves the club this summer, but also on those who arrive, something that despite Dermot Desmond’s protestations in his recent Celtic TV interview, hasn’t always been the case.

That said the vast majority of Celtic fans would be sad to see Nir Bitton go and he’d always be a welcome visitor back at Paradise.

Niall J

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Nir Bitton in tears as Celtic star’s emotional love affair comes to an end and makes Champions League vow

Ben Banks
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/american-football/nir-bitton-in-tears-as-celtic-stars-emotional-love-affair-comes-to-an-end-and-makes-champions-league-vow/ar-AAXeAzk?ocid=BingNewsSearch
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Departing Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton was in tears as he bid an emotional farewell to Celtic.

The Parkhead club announced that both the Israeli international and team-mate Tom Rogic will bring the curtain down on their lengthy Hoops stints after Saturday’s Premiership finale at home against Motherwell.

And Bitton gave a tearful interview to Celtic TV as the 30-year-old reflected on his journey in the east end of Glasgow.

Supporters will get their chance to say goodbye to a player who has amassed an amazing eight league titles, four Scottish Cups and six League Cups while in Glasgow.

Bitton will be keen to take his appearance tally to 270 against the Steelmen on what is sure to be an emotional occasion, having made his debut against AC Milan in the 2013 Champions League group stages.

Fittingly, he’s helped Celtic back to that frontier this season after claiming the league again and he can’t wait to watch his beloved team in that competition.

During a tearful farewell interview, the 30-year-old says he’ll be one of the biggest fans of Ange Postecoglou ‘s team from now on.

He told Celtic TV: “It’s been a hell of a journey for me, with lots of ups and downs. I’ve made so many memories.

“They will stay with me forever so it’s very emotional for me. This is the club I’ve spent most of my career.

“To play for such a big club has been a privilege for me. It’s great to finish this journey with a title.

“I really hope they smash it in the Champions League next season. I’ll be there number one fan for that, for sure.”

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“The Celtic crowd sang YNWA with the scarves in the air I cried and couldn’t control it,” Nir Bitton

By Niall J 25 May, 2022 No Comments

“The Celtic crowd sang YNWA with the scarves in the air I cried and couldn’t control it,” Nir Bitton

Nir Bitton has confirmed to Israeli media that he did receive a fresh contract offer from Celtic but it was the player himself who chose to turn down the deal.

Bitton speaking to Israeli publication Sport 1 explains the contract offered by Celtic for the option of an extra year on the deal were not offered with the same terms attached as the previous three years.

Yet the player also points out the final decision reached was not simply that financial issue, it was also a wish to experience something other than Scottish football, where he’d spent nine years winning 15 trophies. Whether that is abroad or back home in Israel remains to be seen.

“I signed a new contract in 2019. I just finished it after three years. They had an option to continue the contract and they offered me a new contract not on the terms of the option. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not about money. I just got some kind of extraction. I won everything there, I played in all the possible competitions against the biggest players and I want to experience something different, whether it’s abroad or if it’s in Israel.

“The week before the official announcement of the departure was very difficult for me. I cried a lot. I’d see videos and the tears would come out. It’s a club I’ve spent my entire career in. I’ve been through everything there: wins, sad moments, injuries, titles…I’ve seen my whole career go before my eyes in a few moments.

“In the last game, which was also a coronation game. I sat on the bench before the players came up and there was an exciting atmosphere. And when the Celtic crowd sang You’ll Never Walk Alone with the scarves in the air I cried and couldn’t control it. I owe Celtic a lot for the trust and everything they have given me in my career and life. I will stay a Celt forever.”

Whatever the reasons were, the fact is Nir Bitton has said his goodbyes and has left Celtic on the best possible terms, and it appears Bitton will very much remain a Celtic fan even if his days of pulling on the jersey and performing at Celtic Park are now.

Bitton was also quoted by the same publication yesterday as saying the fallout from his red card at Ibrox and the abusive social media responses he received was his darkest times at Celtic, thankfully it seems the player himself recognised he was overwhelmingly appreciated by the Celtic family and those experiences haven’t soured what was an incredible trophy laden period of his career.

Niall J

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