MARCELO SARACCHI has finally accepted he will not be returning to Celtic.
The Uruguayan international left-back arrived on a season-long loan from Boca Juniors last summer and impressed in his 27 appearances.
Saracchi, who also scored a crucial goal in the dramatic 2-1 victory over Livingston at Parkhead in February when debutant Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted the stoppage-time winner, became a favourite with the Hoops fans.
Nobody will forget the enormous contribution he made to Celtic sealing their 56th crown with the last-day 3-1 triumph over Hearts in the east end of Glasgow on May 16.
ON THE BALL…the impressive Marcelo Saracchi in action.
Saracchi, who had replaced a tiring Kieran Tierney in the 73rd minute with the game stalemated at 1-1 and the title heading for Tynecastle, picked up the ball in his own half and swept inside.
He played a pass, went wide again, took the return, nipped back inside and then picked out Callum Osmand, running into space on the left-hand side of the box.
The youngster whipped in a low cross and Daizen Maeda raced in to touch the ball over the diving Alexander Schwolow with a mere three minutes to go.
The ball nestled in the net and was only confirmed as a goal by VAR after an erroneous and baffling offside call by a linesman.
Osmand rolled in the third in stoppage-time and the rest is glorious history.
Saracchi also made a late appearance for Tierney in the 3-1 Scottish Cup Final success over Dunfermline at Hampden a week later to bring down the curtain on his Celtic career.
There was speculation of the 28-year-old defender returning to the champions, but that has now ended with the player clarifying the situation and revealing there will be no comeback.
Saracchi took to Instagram to convey his heartfelt farewell as he said: “Dear Celtic fans, I’m writing this to say goodbye.
“We had an intense, beautiful year together where we achieved so many of our goals.
“My agent and I did absolutely everything within our power to make a return to Glasgow happen.
“I’m truly gutted that I won’t be able to continue at the club at this stage of my career. However, I know our paths will cross again in the future.
“I wish you all nothing but the best for what’s ahead.
“Thank you for everything.”
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