Over the years, Celtic Football Club has become more than just a stepping stone for players aiming to make a name for themselves on a bigger stage. It has become a destination in its own right—a club rich in history, passion, and support that’s unmatched in most corners of the footballing world. And for those who’ve had the privilege of wearing the famous green and white hoops, there often comes a moment of realisation—sometimes too late—that what they had at Celtic Park was truly special.
The latest player to speak openly and emotionally about his regret at leaving Celtic too soon is former French defender Christopher Jullien. Signed from Toulouse in 2019 for a reported fee of £7 million, Jullien arrived in Glasgow as one of Neil Lennon’s marquee signings, tasked with solidifying the back line and bringing composure and strength to Celtic’s defence. And for a while, he did just that—commanding in the air, comfortable on the ball, and a threat in both boxes.
Jullien’s time at Celtic was marked by trophies and memorable moments. In his first season, he played a key role in the club’s domestic dominance, helping the Hoops secure yet another Scottish Premiership title and becoming a cup hero in one of the most iconic recent finals in club history. His winning goal in the 2019 League Cup final against Rangers will forever be etched in Celtic folklore—a close-range finish that sent the green half of Hampden into delirium and reduced Rangers players to tears. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement. A moment that underlined Celtic’s supremacy and Jullien’s place in the club’s story.
He was also part of the historic Quadruple Treble-winning side—a feat that will likely never be repeated in Scottish football. But as is so often the case in football, fate had other plans.
A severe knee injury in late 2020 sidelined Jullien for over a year and marked a significant turning point in his Celtic journey. By the time he was fit again, Celtic had entered a new era under Ange Postecoglou. The team was rebuilding and thriving under a completely different philosophy—quick, aggressive, and technical football that required defenders to be not just strong and composed, but quick and comfortable in a high line. Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers had quickly formed a solid partnership, and with the team in unstoppable form, Jullien found himself unable to break back in.
In a recent interview with The Celtic Way, Jullien opened up about that difficult period. His reflections weren’t bitter or resentful—instead, they were filled with quiet sadness and acceptance. He acknowledged the incredible level at which Celtic were playing and admitted that, despite advice to speak to the manager and ask for a chance, he chose not to disturb a winning formula. “Why would the manager change a team that is winning?” he asked, rhetorically. It’s the kind of question that reveals his humility and understanding of the game.
Now at Montpellier, Jullien has made over 50 appearances but currently finds himself sidelined again, this time with a cruciate ligament injury. And as he reflects on his time in Glasgow, it’s clear he’s left wondering what if. What if he had stayed and fought harder for his place? What if he’d had the opportunity to be part of the Ange revolution? What if fate had been kinder with timing?
But Jullien isn’t the only recent example of a player who’s come to appreciate what he had at Celtic only after leaving.
Take the case of Jota—a player who became a cult hero in record time. Signed initially on loan from Benfica, and later in a £6.5 million permanent deal, Jota’s flair, trickery, and eye for goal made him one of the most exciting wingers Celtic fans had seen in years. His charisma, love for the club, and his performances—particularly in the Glasgow derbies—earned him not just admiration but adoration. Yet, the lure of a £25 million move to Saudi Arabia proved too tempting to turn down. Financially, it made sense. But football-wise? It was a disaster.
Jota struggled to settle, struggled to adapt, and found himself out of favour at Al-Ittihad almost immediately. Despite the payday, the spark was gone. And now, as fate would have it, he finds himself back at Celtic, reminding everyone that some journeys aren’t meant to continue elsewhere. His return is a clear admission that money can’t buy the atmosphere of a rocking Celtic Park or the bond formed with a fanbase that truly lives for the club. It’s not just about football—it’s about belonging.
Then there’s Kyogo Furuhashi—a fan favourite who, much like Jota, seemed to fully embrace what it meant to be a Celtic player. A prolific goalscorer, Kyogo arrived from Japan and hit the ground running under Postecoglou. His movement, finishing, and understanding of space made him one of the most lethal forwards in Scottish football. But the move to Rennes raised eyebrows. Why leave when he was at the peak of his powers in a team built around his strengths?
Now in Ligue 1, Kyogo is struggling to make an impact. Reports suggest he’s spending more time on the bench than on the pitch, and his goal return is nowhere near what it was in Glasgow. Ligue 1 is a tougher league, no doubt—but was the timing right? Much like Jullien, he may be wondering whether the grass really was greener on the other side.
There’s a lesson in all of this—one that players, agents, and clubs should heed. Celtic is not just a “launchpad” club, and those who treat it as a stepping stone often end up regretting it. The atmosphere, the culture, the relentless support from one of the most passionate fanbases in world football—it can’t easily be replicated elsewhere. Players become legends here. The club becomes a part of their identity. And for those lucky enough to truly connect with it, leaving can be harder than expected.
Christopher Jullien, for all his injuries and challenges, still speaks of Celtic with admiration and longing. He wishes he could have had more time. He wishes he had stayed and tried to fight for his place. And who knows? If not for that injury, maybe we’d be talking about Jullien as one of the mainstays of the Postecoglou era.
But even in regret, there’s respect. He understands the club, appreciates the supporters, and remains grateful for the memories he made.
As for the fans, they’ll always remember his goal against Rangers, his celebrations, his energy, and his contributions to a golden era. And if ever there were an opportunity to bring him back to the club in some capacity—be it coaching, mentoring, or even as a club ambassador—it’s safe to say many would welcome it with open arms.
Because once you play for Celtic, once you truly feel the roar of the crowd and the weight of the badge, it never really leaves you. And for Christopher Jullien, Jota, and perhaps soon Kyogo, that’s a truth that only grows stronger with time.
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