Paddy’s back in Paradise and wideman could stay at Hoops for good
From Back Page year-long deal on Monday. Roberts revealed the Premier League side had vetoed a long-term switch to the Hoops for now because Pep Guardiola believes he has a future at the Etihad.
But the player also left the door open on another extension at Celtic this time next year.
The 20-year-old spent the last 18 months at Parkhead and scored 17 goals in 60 appearances.
Despite interest from Nice and Southampton, Roberts is delighted to be back in Glasgow to continue his development under Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers.
He also insists he has no regrets at snubbing the chance to become an Under-20 World Cup winner with England in order to create history by winning the Invincible Treble with Celtic.
Roberts, who will still have two years left on his City contract next summer, said: “You never know in football, as I said last year, and now here I am back again.
“Celtic did try to get the move permanent but in fairness to City they wanted to keep me and said that couldn’t happen. It gives me a bit of hope obviously that they still feel I have a long-term future which is good for me.
“They will let me express myself up here and enjoy my season. Talks went on throughout pre-season. You have to find the right option.
“Talking to them I said I felt it was in my best interests to come back to Celtic. Luckily enough they listened to me and took it on
board. I was just thinking about my own development and where I felt I would improve.
“That was here and I’ve made that decision. I don’t regret it. I am backing myself to improve this season.
“The bigger picture for me is to be the best player I can be and play in the best league in the world.
“As for missing out on a winner’s medal with England, I have no regrets.
“The World Cup is massive but you don’t have a crystal ball to see if they are going to win it or not and we had a massive chance here to make history.
“That was important to me, to start and finish the season in the same way and that will always be right up there in my career highlights, whatever I go on to do. So I have no regrets about that. I’m just excited to be back.”
Having completed the clean sweep Roberts sees no reason why Celtic can’t do so again.
He said: “We had that belief last year. That was down to the manager. He will be the same this year – perhaps even more determined.”