As we reported last week, Patrick Roberts is officially a Celtic player once again, even if it is technically only on loan.
The Manchester City winger was a smash hit with the Celtic fans last season as played a big part in Brendan Rodgers' side who marched to an unbeaten domestic treble, and became besties with Kieran Tierney in the process.
That said, for as much as Roberts delighted the supporters last season, there was always the lingering knowledge that he would have to return to Man City, and many feared that his performances would mean he either stays put or goes on loan in the Premier League, but the Celtic fans werenae having that.
The social media campaign for Celtic fans to convince Roberts to stay was something that ran all summer, and speaking to Celtic TV after confirming his return to the club, Roberts admitted that he had a heavy heart after leaving and the love of the fans was a big reason why he came back.
It's been good, but it's been hard because obviously the amount of support I've been getting and the love I get up here is brilliant. I love it here, and to be back is great, I'm just thankful to finally be back here.
I think it gathered from last year, I'd a good end to the season and obviously that helped with things, and when things were getting decided obviously a big factor for me was playing for these fans at this club, so I'm glad to be back and like I said, can't wait to get going again.
"I love it here. I’m just thankful to be here."
Patrick Roberts speaks exclusively to @CelticTV! #PR7
In full ?➡️ https://t.co/K3UZBYfUfh pic.twitter.com/VzULLgVSHu— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) August 28, 2017
Celtic fans are obviously thrilled at the news, as Roberts, Sinclair, and Dembele were an utterly terrifying prospect in the Scottish league last season and will be looking to make a good crack at the Champions League this time out.
Unfortunately, from an Irish perspective, it limits the starting chances that Johnny Hayes will see, but a club like Celtic play a hell of a lot of games in a season so hopefully the former Aberdeen man can do well when called upon.
But Celtic fans have got what they wanted, and Roberts has been handed the iconic #7 shirt as his reward for coming back.
