Frimpong delighted to catch up with former Parkhead team-mates
HE arrived as an unknown quantity but left as a fans’ favourite.
Jeremie Frimpong made quite an impression during his 18 months spent in Glasgow.
He was signed for Celtic by Neil Lennon in the summer of 2019. The energetic full-back joined from Manchester City’s academy with a distinct lack of first-team experience on his CV. As the 23-year-old points out himself, Celtic gave him his big chance in football – something he will always be grateful for.
The enthusiastic defender moved to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 for £11 million, as he and the Parkhead club went their separate ways sooner than expected. He has kicked on in his career and is now flourishing under Xabi Alonso in Germany.
Frimpong came up against some familiar faces when the Netherlands thumped Scotland 4-0 in Amsterdam last Friday night. He was seen laughing with Ryan Christie postmatch, as well as taking the opportunity to catch up with old Parkhead team-mate Craig Gordon.
One man he values immensely but did not get the chance to see was Celtic captain Callum McGregor. He was out of action through injury, but Frimpong says he always knew the midfielder would be the perfect replacement for Scott Brown.
Frimpong said: “It was great to see some familiar faces. It was nice to speak to Ryan Christie, Craig Gordon, Tony Ralston and Greg Taylor. It was nice to talk about the old times and the success we had.
“I know a few of them have left the club as well, but some of them are still there. I still look to see how they are doing and I believe they can come strong and have a successful end to the season.
“You look at guys like Callum McGregor still there. When I was at the club we had Scott Brown as our leader. But Callum was right up there with him. We had a few big players in that dressing room and they were an inspiration to me.
“I was new to it all and it was great to see how professional they were. They took me in, gave me advice – they were excellent, on and off the pitch.
“I knew Callum would be the captain after Scott. Everyone knew it. I think it was pretty obvious as he has all the attributes you want in a captain. Not like me! I could never be the captain! But Callum is fantastic on and off the pitch.
“He’s so important to the team and if he’s back in the team again for the remaining games, I’ve got no doubt he can lead them to more trophies.
“I am so grateful for my time at Celtic. They gave me a big chance. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be playing with Bayer Leverkusen, I wouldn’t have the chance to go to the Euros Germany this summer.
“My time at Celtic was so special. In my first season we won the treble. I was talking to Ryan about our memories there. My time in Scotland is something I’ll never forget. I’ll forever be grateful to Celtic, especially to the fans and the way they were so welcoming. They really took me in.
“I know there are some young players at Celtic now and I would just say it’s an unbelievable place to play football.”
With Frimpong’s impressive form in the Bundesliga and on the continent for Leverkusen, the Dutchman has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League.
He has eight goals and as many assists for his club this term. With the right-back position in the national team now his own too, it has been speculated that he could move in the summer for a fee upwards of £50m.
In turn, this has led to hope from those of a Celtic persuasion that the Scottish champions could be in line for a financial windfall from any potential sale.
“I don’t know about that,” Frimpong exclaimed. “I feel if you are playing well in football there is always talk about where someone might go next. But I am so focused on Leverkusen.”