Matt O'Riley sends emotional message to Celtic fans

In early 2022, Celtic completed the signing of Matt O'Riley from MK Dons, then playing in League One. What most forget is that he was not the Hoops' first-choice that winter. They had initially been linked with Riley McGree but had to turn their attention elsewhere after the Australian international joined Middlesbrough.

Celtic fans should be thankful that it worked out that way. While McGree's time at Middlesbrough has been average, O'Riley showed tremendous growth and improvement over his two-and-a-half years at Parkhead.

He was the club's best player last season, helping them to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double. And this summer, after months of speculation, he completed a Scottish-record move to Brighton & Hove Albion for a £30 million transfer package, more than Jota to Al-Ittihad and Kieran Tierney to Arsenal.

O'Riley's stint at Celtic Park might not have been particularly long but it was certainly impactful. The club and the supporters seem to have had an impact on the Danish international as well. He wrote an emotional farewell message on Instagram:

"Hey Celts,

This isn’t an easy message to write but I just wanted to express how grateful I am to have been able to represent this special football club.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be in an environment and team full of great people. All my teammates and the staff made it easy for me to settle in right from day one and feel part of the family.

The joy I have experienced when wearing the badge and playing in front of you guys is one like no other. Every single game was an absolute privilege to be a part of and I’m thankful I got to be at the club during a successful period.

When they say it’s a club like no other it truly is. You guys are one of a kind and it is a credit to all of you for providing such an amazing atmosphere week in week out.

Thank you for letting me share these times with you. I will forever be a Celt and I will forever support the club.

Much love,
Matty"

Matt O'Riley sends emotional message to Celtic fans

Over his time at Celtic, O'Riley certainly endeared himself to the Celtic supporters. He was solid under the management of Ange Postecoglou and took his game to a new level, after the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as manager last summer.

A fantastic 23/24 campaign caught the eye of clubs around Europe. Atletico Madrid tried and failed to sign him last winter. He was also linked with clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus, Chelsea, Atalanta and more.

Ultimately, O'Riley decided to join Brighton & Hove Albion. In many ways, that feels like a smart step for him even though bigger clubs were believed to be interested in his signature.

It is easy to get lost in the shuffle at clubs like Chelsea, Juventus and others. At Brighton & Hove Albion, one would expect him to get regular game time and maybe in the future, he could make the step up to a European giant, when he is certain to have a starting spot there from the get-go.