NafisaKieran Tierney featured in his final appearance at the Emirates for Arsenal before his anticipated move to Celtic during the 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
The Scottish defender’s stint in the Premier League came to an end when Arsenal declined to activate the one-year extension in Tierney’s contract and now, he is only a few weeks away from making his return to Celtic.
Tierney has been deployed infrequently this term but still holds a special place among Arsenal fans as his admiration among the Emirates faithful has never faded.
However, after six seasons at the Emirates, Tierney is eager to rejoin Celtic, and manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a message to the 27-year-old ahead of his departure.
Why Mikel Arteta is ‘very grateful’ to Kieran Tierney before Celtic switch:
Tierney made another short appearance for Arsenal as the North London side secured a 1-0 triumph over Newcastle to virtually seal second place in the Premier League.
And following his eight-minute outing, Arteta expressed his appreciation to Tierney in his post-match comments as the player now prepares to restart his journey at Celtic Park.
Arteta told talkSPORT, “With Kieran, he had a very special circumstance the way he had to come back and settle in the team again after four months out, and he’s been really good with the group.
“He has contributed in every possible way to help us and I’m very grateful for that.
“We have a few in the dressing room that probably is going to be the last time they put on that shirt in the Emirates.
“I’ve been there and I make sure we are close to them and I am very grateful to them as well.”
Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal outings this campaign before Celtic return:
Tierney bounced back from a serious hamstring issue that sidelined the Scotland international for a large part of Arsenal’s campaign.
Nonetheless, Arteta still included him when appropriate, and Tierney managed to feature in the Arsenal senior squad before his move back to Celtic.
Admittedly, his playing time per match is relatively low, but for Celtic fans, they will simply be pleased to welcome Tierney back to Paradise in full health, ready to don the green and white Hoops at full fitness for the upcoming season.
Nafisa
