Kieran Tierney completes five-year Celtic homecoming

Scotland defender Kieran Tierney has finalized his highly anticipated return to Celtic, signing a five-year contract after his departure from Arsenal. The 28-year-old left-back initially left Glasgow for the North London club in a significant £25 million deal in 2019. After making 144 appearances for Arsenal, including a loan spell with Real Sociedad last season, Tierney is back at Celtic Park.

"My ambition is just for Celtic to be as successful as possible, retain our place at the top and continue to win trophies and do well for Celtic," Tierney told the club website. He added that being back in the Celtic strip "just feels amazing," and reflected on his time away: "When you move away from home, you grow up, you learn different things. I was in Spain for a year, learning a different language and playing in a different league, so I'm definitely a different person." He pledged his customary commitment, promising to "work my hardest" and "do my best for the club."

Tierney's decision to return comes after falling out of favour at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, largely due to injury concerns that limited him to mostly substitute appearances last season. His permanent return to Celtic Park, though confirmed in February, now sees him sign a long-term deal.

'We are so pleased to bring such an elite player back to the club'

His arrival bolsters a Celtic side that recently clinched both the Scottish Premiership and League Cup, also reaching the Champions League knockout stage this season. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers expressed his delight, stating, "He is such a talented, high-quality player and he will be a massive addition to our squad. We are so pleased to bring such an elite player back to the club and I look forward to working with him again." Tierney's return also adds depth to the left-back position, amidst uncertainty surrounding the future of fellow Scotland international Greg Taylor, whose contract expires this summer.

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Former Celtic and Scotland captain Scott Brown enthusiastically welcomed the move, calling it a "really good fit for the club and also a really good fit for him." Brown lauded Tierney's character and consistent 110% effort, noting his growth while at Arsenal and Real Sociedad. He believes Tierney is "nowhere near coming to the end of his career" and predicted a potential future as Celtic captain, emphasizing that "Brendan got the best out of him before, knows what he's like."