Former Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo has opened up on his difficult Parkhead spell, insisting that injury issues and managers lack of trust in him were what caused the Ivorian to have a disappointing time with the Hoops.
Bayo joined the club in the 2019 January transfer window but failed to make an impact over his two-year spell with the club, being sent out on loan to Toulouse in France last campaign, before leaving on a permanent to join Gent in the summer.
As quoted by the Daily Record, the 25-year old believes that his issues stemmed from lack of trust by both Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon during their time as manager, as well as injury issues as he now looks to settle in at new loan club Charleroi in Belgium.
“At Celtic, I had a few injuries that delayed my career. I had to look elsewhere to get more playing time. That’s why I lack a bit of stability. But I know my qualities, and I know that I can go further in my career.
“Of course, I want to prove to Gent that they were wrong, but I won’t talk about revenge.
“Let’s say that, previously, I worked with managers who didn’t necessarily trust me. It’s a matter of choice, but a striker needs confidence.
“At Gent, I can’t say it was a language problem because most of the players spoke French, but this is far better. It’s exciting to play for a better club.”
Over the years, as Celtic fans, we have seen our fair share of these sorts of moves for strikers who fail to make an impact and Bayo was no different.
Although his opportunities might have been limited, Bayo didn’t look like the player who would fit in with the play style that is expected at Celtic, with his skillset potentially suiting other clubs.
Like any player who has pulled on the Hoops, though, we wish Bayo all the best in his career going forward after it ultimately didn’t work out at Parkhead, and hopefully, he can kick on with his new club in Belgium.
