Jeffrey Schlupp’s deadline day move to Celtic has brought out a host of A-list names that have made their feeling clear on the switch.
Brendan Rodgers swooped to land the versatile Crystal Palace man on a six-month loan until the summer. The 32-year-old has already given fans an insight into what they can expect during his time north of the border as part of a first club interview. He will be hoping the season ends with a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup winners’ medal around his neck while the prospect of facing German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League is something any player would be buzzing over.
And that buzz doesn’t just stop at Schlupp with superstar names taking to social media to congratulate him on his big move. Ahead of joining Celtic, he revealed that Kasper Schmeichel was one of the first people he spoke to about the club and another former Hoops favourite has chipped in with a message of support, Odsonne Edouard replied to a picture of Schlupp in Celtic kit with: “Enjoy bro.” alongside two fire emojis.
The big names didn’t stop there with the likes of Christian Benteke, Danny Drinkwater, Wilfried Zaha and many more leaving messages as well as Man City and England star Jack Grealish. He wrote: “Naaaa. What a combo” while former Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph posted: “What a sight” along side a bunch of emojis.
Quite the welcome committee for the Palace man, who can’t wait to get down to work in front of the Parkhead faithful. He’s out to repay Rodgers for the faith shown in him by bringing him on board before the window slammed shut for business.
He told CelticTV: “Kasper was one of the first people I spoke to when this opportunity came up. He messaged me and we spoke, and he told me about how great the club is, how much I’ll enjoy playing here, and I can’t wait to link up again. To be able to play together again after such a long time and the memories we’ve got together, it’s going to be a special thing that I’m definitely looking forward to.”
He continued: “I’ve watched the other Champions League games and the boys have performed so well in it. To be able to get a draw like Bayern Munich is very exciting for the fans and everyone involved with the club but, again, it’s a game that we’re obviously going to go and try to win.
“As much as enjoying the experience, it’s a game that we want to win and try to get through the play-offs. I know players who have worked under the manager and they’ve always said the same thing – great coach, great guy and if you work hard for him he’ll be great for you.
“So that’s what I’m planning to do. I want to repay him for the faith he has in bringing me here, and hopefully I can do that with some good performances and hopefully we, as a squad, can achieve some great things.”