After a flicker of hope that there may have been a last minute hitch Sky Sports announced that Kieran Tierney had completed his transfer to Arsenal.
The day was always going to come but the last 24 hours have been especially painful for Celtic supporters as the English transfer window drew to a close.
At virtually every media conference Neil Lennon had mentioned that he was expecting a late offer to sign the defender despite two offers falling short.
As the clock ticked closer towards 5pm there was no confirmation of the transfer but suddenly at 4.50 with black letters on a yellow background it was announced ARSENAL SIGN KIERAN TIERNEY FROM CELTIC.
The timing could hardly have been worse. Despite his injury news that Tierney was leaving the club was released as Boli Bolingoli was toiling badly away to Cluj.
Having £25m added to the bulging bank balance won’t make the return leg against the Romanian champions any easier as Neil Lennon puts together a back four without three quarters of the stalwards over the last three seasons.
Over the next three midweeks Celtic’s Champions League fate will be decided with KT watching from afar at his new home in London.
He’s here…
Welcome to The Arsenal, @kierantierney1 ????
???????????????????????????? #TimeForTierney pic.twitter.com/oGJQ5BIIrY
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2019
Best of Luck Keiran ….you will always be welcome at Paradise Hail Hail
— SmiddyBhoy (@SmiddyBhoy1) August 8, 2019
Good Luck KT, ????
— Martin Griffin ? (@mgriffin8622) August 8, 2019
Moved to a better league so our Bhoy will only Improve ????????
— Gerry (@Gerrykeogh2002) August 8, 2019
He needs fans who create an atmosphere to use the megaphone.
— Chairman Lmao (@BenTheTim) August 8, 2019
I feel sick
— lÃttl? lÃs??n ???????? (@weelisbon) August 8, 2019