KIERAN TIERNEY admitted he was “quite emotional” as he ran on to the Parkhead pitch for the first time after his six-year exile in London with Arsenal.
The returning hero, who left in a record £25million deal in August 2019, took his bow in the 55th minute as he replaced the impressive Hayato Inamura in the 4-0 triumph over Newcastle United yesterday.
Tierney, as anticipated, was given a rousing welcome home from his adoring fans and he settled in right away. The marauding 28-year-old left-back even contributed to the goal romp when he fired over an inviting cross from the byline for Liam Scales to thump an unstoppable header high into the net for No.4.
HAPPY TO BE HOME…Kieran Tierney thanks the Hoops fans. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
Asked about the reception afterwards, the Scotland international defender, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “Amazing! I didn’t know what to expect.
“But what a feeling, it was quite emotional actually running on to the park like that. But just brilliant, a great day for me.”
Tierney followed up on his Instagram account and added: “Wow! What a feeling. Thank you so much, that was so special.”
Brendan Rodgers was also delighted to be reunited with the popular Celt and added: “I wanted him to get a specific welcome back, because, at his age, he could easily be playing at the top end of the Premier League.
“To get a player of that level is amazing for us.”
Rodgers, Tierney and Co now take off for Como for Thursday’s game against Ajax.
