‘Smashed everything’ – Simunovic describes tackle on Miller

What are the best things to remember our Croatian ex centre half for now he’s moved on from Celtic? Two are obvious and one is a shocking fact!

As we know Jozo Simunovic ended his 5 years with Celtic recently when the club decided against activating the last year of his contract. Perhaps some of his history over that time was enough to think he might have remained in more normal times. Perhaps another look at his record explains clearly why he has moved on.

Jozo himself has been reflecting on the two highlights most fans would pick. Seconds of history played back over and over on social media across the world making him a cult hero and a slightly romantic history based hero.

Yes of course THAT tackle on Kenny Miller is the first. Lots of fans will remember exactly where they were and what they did when they saw Simunovic stop Miller in his tracks. It was that sort of moment. Who knew Miller could fly so high!

The video clip of the tackle flew round the world and still appears regularly on social media to remind us all of that moment. As reported by the Daily Record, here’s how he remembers it:

"“The tackle! Yeah, I know I will always be remembered for that too.“That became a big thing – all around the world.“The clip of the tackle is on social media all the time but it was a good, clear challenge.“It was at Ibrox and I know that it will always be remembered.“We also won 5-1 there that day and it was great.“My tackle was fitting – as we completely smashed everything that season!”"

The second memory of Simunovic which will stick with us is surely his goal in a 1-0 win against Kilmarnock in April 2019. It came in the first match at Celtic just days after legend and Lisbon Lion Billy McNeill had passed away. So the game was already one where respects were duly paid. How fitting was it when in the 67th minute our tall number 5 soared above the Kilmarnock defence to head a winning goal. Absolutely perfect.

Two great memories of Simunovic then. What about that shocking fact? Here’s a clue from Simunovic himself:

"“I won 12 trophies at Celtic and winning is the most important thing at any club.”"

We know Simunovic struggled at times with injuries, there were pitches he couldn’t be risked on too and so his run in the team was often disrupted. In his time at Celtic he featured in 126 games. In which he won a trophy roughly every 10 or so games, on average!

That fact probably tells more about his time injured than as a signal of his prowess as a player. And ultimately is likely to be a major factor in his release.

But irrespective of that, we will for sure remember the tackle and the goal with immense pleasure for both.