Emilio Izaguirre never sidestepped any questions as he met the press back in Honduras after Celtic’s SPL title presentation.
The full-back was happy to discuss the frustrations of his injury, rumours of interest from Manchester United and the prospect of playing in the Olympics at the same time as Celtic face Champions League qualifiers.
Reports of interest from Manchester United seem out of date but the other subjects certainly make interesting reading for Celtic fans.
“What Manchester I know nothing,” he responded to the question of interest from Old Trafford. “I have a contract with Celtic for many years, they are the ones who decide. I just dedicate myself to play.”
After breaking his ankle at Aberdeen in August Izaguirre made his comeback in January bit looked a shadow of his old self.
Neil Lennon was reluctant to use last years multiple Player of the Year award winner but in the final weeks of the season the old Izaguirre started to re-appear.
“In the last two months I went back to recover, he explained. “My family, my wife, my son and my colleagues always accompanied me.
“I want to thank God for the blessing given to me. It was a very difficult year with the theme of my injury, go back quickly and be ready was what affected me in that tournament.
“Winning this championship was very special. Now I want to play the Champions League.”
Honduras have two friendlies coming up over the next three weeks as they prepare for next season’s World Cup qualifiers with Izaguirre the first foreign based player to report for duty.
Before that they will compete in the Olympic Games with Izaguirre qualifying as an over-aged player for a tournament that clashes with Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers.
Playing in the Olympics is as big an honour as the World Cup for many nations with Izaguirre leaving the decision up to his national coach Luis Suarez.
“The teacher Suarez knows if I will consider it.” Izaguirre answered. “That player will not want to be in the Olympics, I think everybody, and if he considers me I’ll be there,”
“Right now the selection comes first and that I have it clear. I want to play two friendly match and then the tie. Then we’ll see what happens. My goal is to be in the World Cup.”
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We must keep izzy at the club before anyone.He is the lynchpin that springs defence to attack.
He was very badly missed, although shows how strong our squad is that POY Izzy & Captain Kayal both missed majority of the season yet we stil won league by a mile.
Pleased to say he looked much more like his old self in the closing matches.