EMILIO IZAGUIRRE is Celtic through and through, just like the young left back who eventually took his place in the starting eleven.
Eventually this led to the Honduran having to make the hardest decision of his life in deciding to leave the club he loves so that he could play regular first team football and continue to represent his country.
In the summer the popular 31 year old defender made the move by joining Al-Feiha in Saudi Arabia.
And this week Izzy who has so far won 93 caps, will come face to face with one of his old Celtic teammates when Honduras meet Australia in the World Cup play-off for a place at next year’s finals in Russia.
He will be keen to hear all the news from Celtic from Tom Rogic before the two go head to head in these crucial matches for both countries. Izzy clearly has Celtic in his heart to this day.
“I spent seven seasons at Celtic, winning 11 trophies, playing almost 50 UEFA Champions League games, nearly 300 matches overall, I carry them in my heart,” Izzy said.
“In the last six months I did not play much, and they did not want me to leave. I was offered a new contract, but I needed to play constantly to be able to play for my national team.
“I accepted the offer and I am enjoying here. The most important thing is that I am playing every game and enjoying.
“There so many good attributes about Tom Rogic, he does almost everything well; a great person and one of the best players I’ve had as a teammate,” believes Izaguirre.
“But my wish is that Honduras go to the World Cup. I respect Tom as he was my team-mate in Celtic for more than three years and always I wish him the best.
He added: “The most valuable moment for a player is to play football for love, and to play for the national team of your country is something very special.
“I have experienced playing in two World Cups, but I want to play the third and do great things for my country.”
Celtic supporters would sing a song for Izzy, that said that Celtic loved the player “more than you will know.’
You get the feeling he knows alright.
The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP21) Matchday Special v St Johnstone – When History Was Made…
Kevin Graham recorded the latest episode of The CQN Podcast at McDiarmid Park, as Brendan Rodgers’ side extended their unbeaten domestic run to a record-breaking 63 matches against St Johnstone.
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Brendan Rodgers – The Road to Paradise The Official Autobiography is available now from CQNBookstore.com – the first 100 orders received will come with a free gift.
From a small village on the north-east coast of Ireland to the treble-winning manager of Celtic, Brendan Rodgers’ football journey has been a remarkable one of dedication, hard work, a desire to always keep improving and a determination to succeed at the highest level of the sport … and throughout his life there has always been a love of his team … Celtic Football Club.
In his own words, Brendan Rodgers tells his story – from a promising young footballer growing up in Carnlough and dreaming of playing for Celtic one day through to his professional career – as a player, a coach and now as one of football’s top managers. And Celtic supporters will also enjoy an insight into a remarkable season – from the first competitive game in Gibraltar through to the thrilling Scottish Cup final, with plenty of highlights in between, including the manager’s first trophy triumph and some unforgettable Glasgow derbies.
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