Matt O'Riley pens emotional Celtic farewell with special message for 'one of a kind' fans

Matt O'Riley has penned an emotional goodbye message to Celtic's "one of a kind" fan base after his departure.

The midfielder, a favourite with the Hoops support, gave a brief goodbye message in an interview after signing for Brighton but promised he would give them a proper one in due course. He has delivered on that vow now with a lengthy post on social media for his Celts followers.

O'Riley suffered the heartache of a bad injury which looks set to keep him out for months just six minutes into his Seagulls debut as a result of a shocking tackle from a Crawley player in an EFL cup match. But he still had time for the fan base that has adored him for the past couple of seasons.

He said: "Hey Celts. This isn’t an easy message to write but I just wanted to express how grateful I am to have been able to represent this special football club. I’ve been fortunate enough to be in an environment and team full of great people. All my teammates and the staff made it easy for me to settle in right from day one and feel part of the family.

"The joy I have experienced when wearing the badge and playing in front of you guys is one like no other. Every single game was an absolute privilege to be a part of and I’m thankful I got to be at the club during a successful period. When they say it’s a club like no other it truly is.

"You guys are one of a kind and it is a credit to all of you for providing such an amazing atmosphere week in week out. Thank you for letting me share these times with you. I will forever be a Celt and I will forever support the club."