BOSS WAS DED RIGHT
DEDRYCK BOYATA came back from Russia in the summer clutching a bronze medal as the Hoops defender helped Belgium achieve their best finish at a World Cup finals.
But the 27-year-old admits he felt equally as proud of the vindication from Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers who told him he belonged on the world stage.
Boyata featured in all of Belgium’s group games that saw them top the same section as England.
The stopper only made way for Manchester City defender and international captain Vincent Kompany who recovered from injury as Belgium went on to be edged out by eventual winners France at the semi-final stage.
Boyata was blown away by the reception he received from his Hoops team-mates and manager on his return.
He said: “When I spoke to the manager on the first day back he told me how pleased he was for me and how proud he was of me about the World Cup.
“He had always said I was good enough to play at that level and he said I showed that. It was very pleasing as it backed up what he’s been saying for a long time.
“He was very happy for me. I also got all the good luck messages from my team-mates and it was nice to see them.”
Rodgers revealed earlier this week the club had knocked back a bid of £9million from Fulham and the stopper was going nowhere as Celtic chased down qualification for the Champions League group stages for the third year running.
Boyata has yet to agree a new deal with the Hoops and can quit for nothing next summer. He has certainly made his mark for both club and country.
It is small wonder there are English, Italian and Spanish suitors lining up.
The centre-back has become a vital cog in the
Celtic defence during the Invincibles and doubleTreble seasons as well as come in from the international wilderness barely 18 months ago.
With his World Cup experience firmly under his belt Boyata told the Celtic View he’s ready for whatever happens next.
He said: “I have come a long way from my injuries and things so just to be in Russia was a battle won for myself.
“I enjoyed every moment of it apart from the semi-final which was the most disappointing game for all of us.
“You can’t disregard being the third best team in the world.
“Almost all of the team were disappointed as knew at the beginning we could go further but we came back with a medal.
“On a personal level it went better than I expected. It was a great moment for me not just to be at the World Cup but having the chance to play and in the end starting the first three games.
“By listening to what people said everyone seemed to be satisfied with what I did and we managed to get nine points out of nine and qualify for the next round so it was a great personal achievement.
“When you get to the World Cup you know you are playing at the highest level so want to give everything to help your team and also to see where you stand.
“I’m full of confidence and I know what qualities I have and how far I can go and I am always ready to give my best.”