Dedryck Boyata created quite a circus during the summer transfer window. However, Brendan Rodgers asked the fans to back him, and one has to say that the Belgian has put in commendable performances and has shown enough dedication to turn around some section of the fans. It is clear that he is not going to be at the Parkhead for long and it seems likely that he would fulfil his contract and leave the club in the summer. The defender has said, that he would continue to play with commitment as long a he is here at the club.
The 27-year-old was quoted as saying,”Right now I’m in a position where I’m not supposed to say anything about what happened in the past. But I am fully committed with the team and I’m trying to give as much as I can whenever I’m on the pitch. I’m a Celtic player and I’m very happy to be a Celtic player. Whatever happens next, happens next.
”What happened in the past is in the past and I’m looking forward to getting back to where we were the last three seasons. I’m working hard for it and hopefully, we’ll get back where we’re supposed to be.”
Rodgers couldn’t have just frozen him out from the first team after he made himself unavailable for selection for a Champions League qualifier as the Belgian happens to be the best centre back for the Hoops and arguably the best in the league as well. Therefore Rodgers needed such an essential player in his setup and one can understand why the manager had to back the player even after the saga in the summer.
After he made his comeback to the team the gaffer had said,”When you are trying to redeem yourself sometimes it takes a bit of time. Naturally supporters, the real passionate supporters, look for that commitment in the player, it is not always about ability. The reaction of three-quarters of the stadium plus his team-mates, you see we are all together.”
The fans indeed turned bitter towards him, but one has to say Rodgers handled the situation quite well. As of now, it seems that the defender would stay, but things can again turn bad in January if clubs from top leagues come calling for Boyata. It was clear that the 27-year old would be attracted to bigger prospects especially after an impressive World Cup in Russia.
It is not yet clear whether the Hoops would look to cash in on him in January or make the defender see out his contract until the summer. Whatever may happen, at least it’s good to see that the Belgian is still putting his best foot forward in training and matches as he is still the backbone of the Bhoys’ defence even after the summer window debacle.
