The elegant way Matt O’Riley left Celtic training ground for Brighton, Brendan Rodgers’ farewell message

O’Riley’s 2023/24 season was particularly impressive, scoring 19 goals and assisting 18 more in a double-winning campaign.

It is this form that has attracted so much attention in transfer terms. Despite all the noise, O’Riley has behaved like an absolute professional, always giving his all to Celtic.

In a farewell tribute to the player, manager Brendan Rodgers has now shared that he did just that right up until the end of his final training session at Lennoxtown – even doing extra work with the coaches on Friday before he headed south for a medical.

Matt O’Riley has been hailed as an “absolute joy” to work with

Speaking to the media after Celtic’s 3-0 win over St Mirren, Rodgers said (Celtic Way): “He was a real pleasure to work with. I have to say, as a manager who has coached a lot of players, he has done everything he can to be the best player he can be. His demeanour, his decency throughout pre-season has been an absolute joy to see.”

“As a young player with his sights set on the riches of the Premier League, he never lost sight of Celtic. And even up until the very last day, we had finished, we had a lighter session on the last day, but he stayed on the pitch to do that little bit extra with the coaches. He was a real pleasure to work with.

“When you work with a player like him, you want him to succeed. Celtic won’t be the end of some of these players’ careers, but it will give them a lot. And he leaves here now as a winner, a better footballer and ready to play for any team in the world.”

“When you play for Celtic and you’re under pressure, and you become a winner, he can go on and play for most teams in the world now. His demeanour was second to none. He’s a good lad and I hope he does a good job. We’re going because it’s an opportunity for other players to come here and take on that challenge.”

Brighton to sign valuable player in Matt O’Riley

Fantastic to watch on the pitch and a pleasure off it. O’Riley will go down in history as one of the best signings to come to Celtic.

From his charity work to his eloquent media appearances, it’s been fantastic to see O’Riley mature and grow despite the fiery cauldron of Glasgow football.

O’Riley could also be a perfect fit for Brighton. They are a team that prides itself on its work ethic and pressing to disrupt opponents. The midfielder excelled in this area in Scotland and has the creative qualities to bring character to the top level.

Celtic’s loss is undoubtedly Brighton’s gain. He will be missed, but it is right that we feel a sense of gratitude for having had him at the club.

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