Moussa Dembele posts farewell to Celtic fans – but supporters aren’t buying it
The French striker's controversial deadline-day move to Lyon has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Hoops fans
MOUSSA DEMBELE has issued a grovelling farewell message to Celtic fans online – but supporters aren’t buying it.
The French striker was paraded by new club Lyon yesterday after completing a £20million deadline-day transfer.
But his exit has left a sour taste in the mouths of the Hoops faithful after he tried to force through his move by taking digs at boss Brendan Rodgers on social media.
Last night though, the 22-year-old changed his tune by THANKING Rodgers and the Parkhead board on Twitter and Instagram.
In a 350-word statement, the self-proclaimed ‘King of Glasgow’ told fans that he only wanted to bring them ‘joy and happiness’ and admits he’ll miss derby days against Rangers.
He wrote: "Bhoys and Ghirls, my journey at Celtic has come to an end and it's time for me to embrace a new challenge.
"Through my journey at Celtic I have experienced many great memories that will last with me forever. My purpose was always to bring you joy and happiness.
"You will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget my time at Celtic, simply because you are special people.
"I'm not gonna lie to you, I will miss playing against Rangers and the particular excitement that it brings, but I have other challenges ahead that I'm looking forward to.
"Every time I will watch Celtic I will remember that day when you were singing 'I saw Dembele on the telly he scored a hat trick against the...'
"That September derby when we annihilated Rangers was surely the moment we feel in love. #Dembelition.
"We went to Champions League together, we conquered Glasgow together, planted our flag on rivalry territory together, we lost a few... but won a lot.
"I am leaving feeling that I have achieved everything I can as a Celtic player.
"I feel truly blessed and proud to be in Celtic's history book as an Invincible and Double Treble winner.
"When I signed for Celtic, I said we will make history, we did! Mission completed, Veni Vidi Vici.
"I don't talk much but that doesn't mean I don't have feelings. I sincerely love you bhoys and ghirls.
"Thank you to all the fans across the world and the charity foundation.
"Thank you to the people at the club; the manager and the coaching staff, my team-mates and the board members.
"Thank you to the office people, security staff, cleaners and kitchen workers.
"Thank you everyone in the background that the public don't see but make this club so special.
"Thank you to the people at the club; the manager and the coaching staff, my team-mates and the board members.
"Thank you to the office people, security staff, cleaners and kitchen workers.
"Thank you everyone in the background that the public don't see but make this club so special.”
Despite trying to repair the damage from his bitter exit, most fans made it clear that he won’t be forgiven.
@daveytoffeebhoy wrote: “Aye whoever wrote it deserves a medal. The mousse will be remembered like Viduka. Griffiths however will be remembered with much more affection.”
@CelticNation67 commented: “It wasn't that you left, it was How you left Moussa. This club did the best it could by you and the support did likewise. You could have left as a hero and been applauded off the pitch but due to bad advice or whatever you chose a different option. Didn't need to end as it did.”
@Aidan11894 said: “Slate Celtic in the media, force a move away and imply our manager isn't a real man. But it's cool because you mention beating rangers in your thank you speech....”
@LB_1888 insisted: “Henrik Larsson is the king of Glasgow. Played his best 7 years at Celtic and still went on to win the Champions League and is known worldwide as a football legend. You can only dream of being half the player he was.”
@C3lticghirl added: “Moussa No. Just No! Your sentiments are lost now. Post this last week if you had left on good terms, we had replaced you and you didn't disrespect our manager. You disrespect him, you disrespect every one of us. You are young and have so much to learn.”