After scoring for Greece in a 2-0 win over Ireland on Friday evening, focus among some Celtic fans shifted to striker Giorgos Giakouamkis. The imposing centre-forward was a hit in his time in Glasgow, scoring some crucial goals for the Bhoys.
Giakoumakis bagged 27 times in a year and a half-spell at Parkhead, and many supporters argue the club should never have let him go. These claims, though, are wrong.
The club didn’t actively allow the now 28-year-old to leave, rather he wanted to depart. This decision is understandable when one considers the fact that Giakoumakis was on the bench every week when Kyogo was fit and available.
It didn’t matter if the now Atlanta United man scored off the bench one week, the Japan internationalist was always going to start ahead of him the next. Coming into his prime, Giakoumakis wanted consistent game time and regular starts.
Celtic simply couldn’t offer him that and it is fair to say that when someone of his quality is coming into their peak years, they want to play week in, week out.
Giakoumakis’ Celtic departure was completely reasonable and was handled perfectly by the club. He is undoubtedly a player of quality who offered a lot but has his departure affected Celtic’s success over the past ten months? No is the answer.
He has moved onto pastures new and has got what he desired over in the MLS with Atlanta United. I for one wish him all the best.
Letting Giakoumakis leave is one of the biggest mistakes Celtic have made he won us the title when kyogo was injured , and Ange should av played the two of them upfront, the guy was unbelievable for us and with regular playing time you would be guaranteed a goal a game atleast. BIG MISTAKE!