RAFAEL SCHEIDT had an interesting take on his days in Glasgow. He told South American journalists: ‘I have left the hell that has been unbearable for me.
‘I have suffered a massive process of rejection. Football is ping-pong with the ball going back and forward.
‘Martin O’Neill has told me he thinks I am not good enough to play for Celtic. He told me to tackle harder, to fight for every single ball and to elbow my opponents.
‘I told him I couldn’t do that and he thought I never followed his instructions. Celtic were trying to send me on loan to an English club, but I refused to go there.’
HEAD BHOY…a rare action shot of Rafael Scheidt in Celtic’s colours.
Before the government called offside on the player continuing to ply his trade on these shores, Scheidt had obviously resolved to come back and light up Scottish football with his so-far unseen skills.
He commented: ‘Those who doubt my ability are talking rubbish. If Celtic bought me, it was because they know I can play football at the level required. I have plenty of hunger and desire, all I ask for is a chance.
‘I belong to one of the best teams in Europe and the biggest club in Scotland. I’m confident of what the future will bring. After new year, I will go to Scotland. I will make myself available to the club and I want to win back my place in the starting eleven.
‘I hope that this time there will be no misunderstandings. I hope this time I will meet the manager’s expectations. I have more experience than before. I’m more conscious of my ability and I think I know myself better.
‘I’m a humble man and I’m ready to sacrifice myself to meet Celtic’s needs.’
Continuing to choose his words as carefully as he picked his passes, the South American concluded: ‘I want the year to be known as the Scheidt year.’
