Practically everyone involved with Irish football was over the moon when Jeff Hendrick secured his much-deserved move to the Premier League yesterday - except for Cyrus Christie, that is.
Hendrick became Burnley's record signing on deadline day after completing a switch to Sean Dyche's Burnley, with the Clarets paying a fee somewhere in the region of £10 million for his signature but spare a thought for poor old Cyrus Christie who's been left lamenting the loss of his clubmate, friend and roommate.
Christie said with a wry smile:
He has gone off and left me now! We live together back in Derby. It's great for him because he really wanted the move and he wanted to go to the Premier League and for him, it's fantastic.
He does deserve it. He obviously had a great Euros, so for him to now go there and show his talent in the Premier League, it's fantastic for him. I wish him all the best and I hope he has a fantastic season. I am buzzing for him!
Good luck to my bro @JeffHendrick92 on his move looking forward to seeing him in the prem more… https://t.co/uFIQhlcAyV
— Cyrus Christie (@cyruschristie) August 31, 2016
Hendrick, the latest graduate of the St. Kevin's Boys side to make it to England's top flight, had been linked with a glut of clubs in England and on the continent (well, Galatasaray at least) after his massively impressive performances for Ireland during Euro 2016.
Still though, Christie is hoping that Hendrick's newfound fame will have some positive effects on his own life.
It can only help him, he can only get better. He has shown what a brilliant player he is, he's a fantastic talent. I get on really well with him. We are great mates back home.
Like I said, I am really happy for him - hopefully he pays for my holiday next year now!
Christie is in line to start Ireland's first World Cup qualifier in Belgrade next week with Seamus Coleman lacking match fitness and who's to say that the right-back won't be the next Irish player to ply his trade in the Premier League next season, whether with Derby or another soon-to-be-revealed suitor.
In the meantime, Cyrus Christie is left forlorn and will presumably be on the hunt for a new housemate. Anyone know what Richard Keogh's story is?
