Patrick Roberts has admitted that social media played it’s part in bringing him back to Celtic.
Throughout the summer there was no escaping the messages on twitter and Instagram as Celtic fans pleaded with the winger to return.
Beyond the usual requests he also received the offer of free milkshakes for life, pledges of tattoos with his name while one fan locked their granny in a cage until Roberts was pictured again as a Celtic player.
The long wait was over on Monday with social media flooded with joy, relief and delight as a new season long loan was finally agreed between Celtic and Manchester City.
Speaking to The Sun Roberts said: “The fans were tweeting me every day, asking me to come back. My Twitter timeline froze at times!
“Social media is massive in the game nowadays. It’s all fun. Some fans promised to do things if I signed and I really hope they do!
“There are a few tattoo promises which I hope they stick to. I know it’s not a permanent move, but I am back so they can’t get out of it so easily.
“There was also a tweet with a photo of someone’s granny in a cage! I think that was tweeted a few times?.?.?.?I wondered if they had the same granny!
“The messages were coming in all the time, but they just love Celtic, and they want us to be the best we can.
“I want the same. That means coming back, and hopefully doing what we did last year.
“It was nice knowing that they wanted me back here, and I wanted to come and play for them.
“It’s a privilege and honour for me they want me so much. We’ll have to wait and see what I can offer. But I just want to repay the fans on the pitch for the belief they have in me.
“I want to excite them. They pay good money to watch us play. What they deserve is for us to play attractive football, score lots of goals and play well.
“We’ll see what the season holds, but I just hope to bring them a lot of joy, and obviously a lot of wins as well.”
Roberts was back training at Lennoxtown yesterday as Brendan Rodgers’ shadow squad were put through their paces.
Scott Sinclair, Callum McGregor and Liam Henderson were there to welcome Roberts back with the serious work resuming on Tuesday ahead of the match with Hamilton Accies.
Roberts is assured of a heroes welcome from the travelling support as the hoops look for a win ahead of the Champions League opener at home to Paris St Germain on Tuesday September 12.
