Kieran Tierney discusses his Hoops return on Celtic FC Podcast

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The Celtic Star

·12. Juli 2025

Kieran Tierney discusses his Hoops return on Celtic FC Podcast

After six years away, Kieran Tierney’s long-awaited return to Celtic marks a heartfelt homecoming for the left-back…

Kieran Tierney after the Scottish Cup Final win over Aberdeen at Hampden in May 2017. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

After nearly six years in North London, the 28-year-old left-back made his return to the Hoops official last month, having originally departed his boyhood club for Arsenal in 2019 in a record-breaking £25 million move.

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Speaking to Celtic TV about his move back to Glasgow, Tierney said: “I just can’t wait to get started. I’m really looking forward to pre-season as well, to get games under my belt, to get to know everyone and get back in the system that we play here. So, yeah, I’m looking forward to everything. I’m not wishing one day away.”

Kieran Tierney of Celtic takes a selfie with the Celtic fans during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian FC at Celtic Park on May 19, 2019. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“It’s amazing, it’s the club that I love. Things happened in January, and [the move]might have happened then, so you’re kind of looking forward to that. Then, it’s the end of the season, so you’re just not counting down, but you know it’s coming, and you can’t wait for it. You can’t wait for the announcement to pull the strip back on. I’ll be absolutely delighted when I finally do.”

After leaving Celtic in 2019, Tierney has watched a new era unfold at the club, with numerous players moving on – among them well-known figures he once lined up beside, like Mikael Lustig, Tom Rogic, and Scott Brown.

Following Broony’s departure four years ago, the captain’s armband passed to Callum McGregor, who has grown into the role impressively. Initially met with some scepticism, Calmac has since proven himself a driving force at the heart of Celtic’s midfield.

To Tierney, now back alongside him, McGregor always possessed the qualities needed to step into Brown’s legendary footsteps.

Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates with teammate James Forrest after scoring his team’s first goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I have always seen it from Callum,” he said. “From a young age, or when he played and I played together, he had that leadership quality. Some people have it, and others don’t, but he’s got it. I was always with the Scotland squad as well when he was there, so I could see it.”

“Although I wasn’t playing with him week in, week out, I could still see that he’s got those leadership skills and what he’s done for the club, he’s an absolute legend. What he’s won and how he drives the team on, and seeing it again now firsthand, is unbelievable.”

“I think he’s proved everyone right to be honest, with how well he’s done and what he continues to do for the club.”

Conor Spence

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