Confirmed: Celtic left-back reveals he is staying for another year
By Matt Farr
Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre has revealed he is staying at Celtic for another year.
The 30-year-old left-back looked almost certain to quit Celtic at the end of the season when his contract expires at the end of May, having lost his place in the first-team to Kieran Tierney.
However, in a shock late twist to the transfer saga, Izaguirre is set to stay at Parkhead for another year.
Speaking to Honduran news outlet Diez on Tuesday, he said: “There are so many things that have been said and they are not true.
“I have one more year with Celtic and they do not want me to leave the team. I have been here for seven years and won 10 trophies, it could be 11 by the end of the season.
“The coach and manager tell me that they want me to stay, and I will just keep working hard and when I get the chance, I will give it my all.
“It’s simple, I finish here on May 27, the Cup Final, on the 28th or 29th I travel to Honduras and I have to be back for pre-season with Celtic on June 27 and that is my future.”
Izaguirre arrived at Celtic in a £650,000 deal in 2010, and has since made over 250 appearances for the club in all competitions.
However, he has made just 17 appearances in all competitions this season, after falling down the pecking order.
His uncertain future sparked talk of a summer exit, with the Daily Record claiming last month that Costa Rican giants Deportivo Alajuelense had tabled an offer for the soon-to-be-available full-back.
The Glasgow Evening Times had earlier reported that Izaguirre, who has 88 international caps, was destined for the exit door at the end of his contract.
Celtic have however, yet to confirm a new deal has been agreed for the experienced defender, despite the player’s recent claims.
Football Insider verdict
Things can change very fast in football, and Izaguirre’s recent admission hints at just that. The emergence and subsequent breakthrough of Kieran Tierney into a key first team player has seen Izaguirre’s opportunities heavily limited, and it therefore looked likely that he would be seeking a fresh challenge ahead of next season. However, if he has been handed an extended stay at Parkhead, his experience could be a valuable asset – even if he were to continue to play only a bit-part role. Tierney could be one player to benefit from his experience, with the club also looking to make an impact in the Champions League, a competition familiar to Izaguirre.
In other Celtic transfer news, the Hoops are in a four-way race to sign this £8million-rated Premier League striker in a bargain deal this summer.
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