Paulo Bernardo has opened up on the role Luis Palma played in his Celtic exit.
Last week, with little fanfare the midfielder joined Gornik Zabrze on a season long loan.
Although Bernardo had failed to establish himself at Celtic his transfer destination came as a surprise.
A return to Portugal where he had captained the national u-21 side would have seemed more natural or a switch to France, Holland or Belgium.
Poland is a fair bit off the beaten track.
Their national team struggles, their clubs don’t tend to feature in the Champions League or high up in the Europa League.
But after three in and out seasons at Celtic Bernardo needs regular first team football, similar to Palma who went out on loan to Lech Poznan a year ago
Discussing the Palma influence, The Sun reports Bernardo saying:
I spoke to Luis and he spoke highly of the club.
His recommendation made the final decision much easier for me.
When the loan offer came up, I really wanted to come here.
Gornik is an exceptional club and it’s evident everywhere. I’m happy with my debut and with the three points.
I immediately felt that Gornik is a special place. I’m convinced it was the right decision to come here.
I’m glad the manager trusts me because he put me straight into the starting line-up.
Having the trust of the coach is incredibly important to me. I’ll always give 100 per cent to repay him and the entire team.
I’m an attacking midfielder. I like to play on the front foot and drive forward with the ball at my feet.
Of course, I also need to work on the defensive side of the game, but I’m definitely more comfortable in attacking roles.
I think the tactics here suit me very well. I can carry the ball higher up the pitch and help the team create attacks. I’m really happy to be here.
Bernardo joined Celtic in the summer of 2023, alongside Palma but was initially signed on loan.
BERNARDO- THE INEVITABLE CELTIC EXIT
There were signs of promise in that loan season but never quite enough to become a regular starter in the team.
Brendan Rodgers saw enough to push for a permanent move from Benfica with a £5m fee eventually agreed.
Unfortunately over two seasons and three managers Bernardo never managed to progress his Celtic career.
Arne Engels and Ben Nygren were signed after the former Benfica man and nailed down places during the chaos of last season.
Like Palma’s loan move a year ago there seems to be no way back for Bernardo at Celtic.
The timing of Celtic agreeing on the loan move to Gornik confirms how far he is out of Martin O’Neill’s plans.
Over the next two weeks Celtic face LASK in a Champions League Play Off.
In O’Neill can’t see Bernardo coming off the bench to impact on those matches a change of club seems the best option for all concerned.
Funny how everyone in the fanbase were putting him as a defensive midfielder WHEREAS he himself sees himself playing further forward? Will always remember him for that shot that Butthead parried allowing Idah to win the cup. His strength in the tackle and desire to make something happen … pity he didnt show it every match.
Wonder what the agreed fee after the loan will be and WILL they sign it or will he come back next season?
Glad yer happy as Larry there sunshine as you were not that very good at Parkhead…
Thanks for your contribution to that cup final winning goal v Sevco all the same !