Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Explains Why Celtic Return Was an ‘Easy Decision’

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says extending his stay at Celtic was an “easy decision” after an unforgettable few months at the club.

The former England international initially arrived in February on a short-term deal after training with Arsenal to maintain his fitness following his departure from Beşiktaş.

Although he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Livingston, it was clear the midfielder was still working his way back to full match sharpness after several months without competitive football.

Despite that, Celtic saw enough to offer the 32-year-old a new one-year contract this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the season opener on Monday, Oxlade-Chamberlain admitted there was never much doubt over where he wanted to be.

“I had a great summer. Like you said, a lot went on. But yes, it was really nice to be able to get back here and get that sorted and get back to work.

“So that sort of just, you know, put the icing on the cake for a good summer for me.

“I think just everything about the club in general, the changing room, the coaches, the manager, the fans and obviously the end to the season last year, it’s hard to find that sort of excitement anywhere in football, I think.

“So, yes, all of that put together, it was an easy decision.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain quickly became a popular figure within the Celtic dressing room during the second half of last season.

While his fitness was still improving after joining midway through the campaign, flashes of his Premier League quality were evident, none more so than on his debut when he found the net against Livingston.

His experience also proved valuable during Celtic’s dramatic title-winning run-in, with Martin O’Neill keen to retain his leadership and professionalism around the squad.

Now, with a full pre-season behind him for the first time in several years, there is hope the midfielder can make an even bigger impact during the upcoming campaign.