Opinion: Celtic star's blunt comments should end transfer speculation

Celtic star Josip Juranovic has spoken about out about the reports earlier this summer that Atletico Madrid were interested in signing the right-back, and his comments will please the Hoops support.

As quoted by the Daily Record, the Croatian international has disclosed that he didn’t let the speculation bother him as he prepares for the challenge of playing in the Champions League group stages

“I didn’t care. I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground. It was Atletico Madrid after all, but I’m at a big club already, Celtic. Finally I have the chance to play in the Champions League here. Just to hear the atmosphere, that anthem and to get to play on that stage.”

Juranovic’s comments are interesting for a few reasons. Firstly, he seems committed to the Hoops, as he ‘didn’t care’ about the Madrid links, as he is already at a ‘big club’.

It is good to hear Juranovic refer to Celtic in that way, and that shows that even after one season in Scotland, he is aware of just how big a club Celtic is, something that people outside of Scotland might not understand.

Perhaps even more significant is the 26-year-old’s excitement about playing in the Champions League group stages for the first time in his career. That shows just how important the tournament is for players, and the Celtic squad overall must be thrilled about the club’s return to the competition for the first time since 2017.

The Champions League could be key to Juranovic’s future at Celtic. You have to think that if the Hoops win the league in season 2022/23 and return to the group stages next season, it will encourage the player to stay at Celtic Park for a while longer.

However, should the Hoops not return to the Champions League, he could consider moving on, as no