Once A Celt, Always A Celt

The love Emilio Izaguirre feels for the club is mirrored by the affection fans feel for him, and he’s delighted to have returned to Paradise

- Joe Donnelly

EMILIO Izaguirre is a Celtic fan, his wife and children are Celtic fans, and by way of his influence, everyone in his part of the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa is a Celtic fan.

Signed by Neil Lennon in 2010, the industrious full-back has wowed Hoops fans over the years with a handful of goals, an impressive 48 assists, and countless bursts down the left flank.

One of the most memorable was when the Central American provide a delicious cross for Gary Hooper’s second in a certain 3-0 Glasgow derby win at Paradise in 2011.

After a short stint in the Saudi Professional League, Izaguirre returned to Paradise at the start of this season, and has since spent much of the campaign providing cover for Kieran Tierney.

The 21-year-old’s recent injury has paved the way for the Honduran’s run in Brendan Rodger’s starting XI, though the 32-year-old suffered his own injury set-back towards the end of last week’s game against Hibernian. Hopefully, he won’t be out of action for too long.

Speaking to the Celtic View, he reflected on his return to the club and why he’s always ready to play his part for the team.

“As a professional footballer, you want to play every game,” he said.

“Sometimes that’s not possible, but you always work towards that, you work hard and wait for your opportunity.

“I always give 100 per cent at training, and in every game, I try my best and give everything that I can to help Celtic.

“I’m always working hard behind the scenes, and I’m happy to wait for my opportunity to play whenever I need to. Even outside of training, I like to keep my fitness going, I try to do my best for the gaffer.