JOZO SIMUNOVIC is continuing his search for a new club.
The former Celtic defender, who left the champions at the end of his contract in May, was recently linked with AC Milan, the Hoops’ Europa League Group H opponents in Glasgow tomorrow night.
However, that report has been shot down and the 26-year-old Croatian centre-back, who has also seen moves back to his homeland come to nothing, is still on the look-out.
Injury problems plagued the cultured back-four performer’s five-year stay in Glasgow after being signed by Ronny Deila in a £4million switch from Dinamo Zagreb.
Simunovic was forced to undergo an operation on a troublesome knee problem last season and he made only 14 starts before being allowed to move on.
He made a mere six league appearances as Neil Lennon’s side won their ninth successive championship.
At the end of an interrupted campaign, Simunovic left along with the likes of Jonny Hayes and Craig Gordon who were also out of contract. However, they are now with their former clubs, Aberdeen and Hearts respectively, while the Croat’s search goes on.
At the end the term, a Celtic statement partly read: “The club has decided not to take a further year-long option in relation to Jozo’s contract. Jozo joined Celtic in 2015, making 125 appearances for the club and scoring five goals, including an emotional and poignant winner against Kilmarnock in April last year following the sad passing of Celtic legend, Billy McNeill.”
Simunovic made over 115 appearances and lifted five league titles, three Scottish Cups and three League Cups.
In June, the defender, speaking in CQN, said he was “angry and sad” at being released by Celtic.
Simunovic is hoping to get fixed up before the January transfer window opens.
