MORITZ JENZ has confirmed his early exit from Celtic – as CQN anticipated over SIX weeks ago.
The towering German’s loan deal from Lorient was in jeopardy as soon as Ange Postecoglou signed left-sided central defender Yuki Kobayashi from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe on a five-year contract.
Jenz, who appeared in all six of the Hoops’ Champions League games as he deputised for the injured Carl Starfelt, has not featured since the return of club football in mid-December after the World Cup Finals in Qatar.
The 23-year-old back-four operator has missed the last nine games following 19 previous appearances since his debut in the 3-1 league win over Ross County in Dingwall in August in which he scored the champions’ second goal.
He followed that up with an acrobatic effort in the 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park a week later.
Jenz posted an emotional farewell message on his Instagram page where he wrote: “Dear Celtic family, I’m sad to say that I’m leaving the club after a short time, it’s been for me a fantastic period at the club.
“I’m very proud and honoured to have been part of the Celtic Football Club. Like I said at the beginning of my time it was and it has been a dream.
“The fans of Celtic will always have a special place in my heart, they are kind, honest and passionate. I want to thank everyone that works at Celtic, from the staff to the people taking care of us players in the stadium and in the training ground.
RISE AND SHINE…Moritz Jenz makes a fabulous first impression as he bullets in a debut goal in the 3-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall in August.
“I’m very lucky to have been part of such a fantastic squad of players, it’s really a TEAM and Family Everyone is fighting for each other to make history for this great Club and I’m gonna miss them so much!
“A massive thank you to Mr Postecoglou for giving me the opportunity to play for this fantastic club. It has been an honour to work with him and his team.
“Well I guess I have to cut it short now. Here we go again. I am on the road again. Hopefully one day I can come back to Paradise.”
Jenz is returning to his Ligue 1 club, but it appears he will be heading out on a quickfire six-month temporary deal to Bundesliga strugglers Schalke.
All at CQN – and Celtic supporters worldwide – would like to thank Moritz Jenz for his service, albeit brief, to the club. He was there when we needed him.
A class act – on and off the field.
