OLIVER ABILDGAARD experienced a ‘now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t’ whistle-stop career at Celtic.
The towering Danish midfielder agreed a season-long loan at the Hoops last summer from Ruben Kazan, the third player, along with Carl Starfelt and Sead Haksabanovic, to join from the cash-strapped Russian side since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in June 2021.
Abildgaard failed to impress in his nine appearances for the champions and the contract was ripped up at the turn of the year as he was returned to his parent club.
PARADISE…Oliver Abildgaard beams brightly as he arrives at Celtic after his August deadline-day signing.
With Russia’s conflict with Ukraine still raging on, the anchorman was diverted to Serie A outfit Hellas Verona for the second half of the campaign.
Once again, the 27-year-old Dane, who has been capped once at full international level, didn’t convince in his 13 league outings and the Serie A outfit didn’t take up the option to make the switch permanent.
Abildgaard has now signed a three-year deal with Italian second-tier club Como which is a far cry from expectation levels when he arrived on deadline day at the end of August last year.
In mid-September, Postecoglou admitted the player “still had work to do” to catch up with his new team-mates, as CQN reported.
The 6ft-plus defensive middle-of-the-park performer didn’t figure after the return of club football following the World Cup Finals in December and it was no surprise when his temporary transfer was cut short.
NINE AND OUT…Oliver Abildgaard in one of his few Celtic appearances.
Abildgaard made an emotional farewell as he said: “It all comes to an end, before it even started.
“Despite my short period of time in the club, I have witnessed the truly special atmosphere at Paradise, the incredible support from our fans and the beautiful values the club is based on.
“Thanks for all the beautiful memories you have given me. That I will carry with me forever. I wish all the best of luck to everyone connected to the club.”
Likewise, we wish Abildgaard good fortune at his fourth club inside a year.
