“I spoke to Luis and he spoke highly of the club,” Paulo Bernardo | OneFootball

Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo last week completed a season-long loan to Polish side Gornik Zabrze, after having discussions with Martin O’Neill about his future at Celtic Park…

08.08.2026, Radom Mecz PKO Ekstraklasa sezon 2026/27 Radomiak Radom – Gornik Zabrze – Football Match Polish Top League Radomiak Radom – Gornik Zabrze Nz. Paulo Bernardo Fot. Michal Chwieduk/Arena Akcji/NEWSPIX.PL — newspix.pl

With game-time likely to be limited this season, the pair agreed that the former Benfica and Portugal under 21 captain would benefit from going out on loan to get game-time and perhaps rebuild his career after it stalling over the past season.

A move to Poland may have been a surprising choice for Bernardo but perhaps there’s some clarity this morning from the Portuguese midfielder as he reveals the role his former Celtic teammate Luis Palma played in influencing his decision to join Gornik Zabrze.

Bernardo made his debut for the Polish side at the weekend against Radomiak Radom and by all accounts made an instant impact. And after the match Bernardo revealed that his close friend Luis Palma was instrumental in convincing him to accept the opportunity to join Gornik Zabrze.

Luis Palma of course ended his time as a Celtic player this summer after converting his loan period at Lech Poznan following a £3.5m transfer from the Scottish Champions. And the Honduran winger was more than happy to recommend a loan spell in Polish football to his former Celtic teammate.

Luis Palma of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on November 12, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Paulo Bernardo, explained what happened, as reported by Daily Record: “We’ve been friends since our days at Celtic and we’re still in touch. I spoke to Luis and he spoke highly of the club.

“His recommendation made the final decision much easier for me,” Bernardo said. “When the loan offer came up, I really wanted to come here.

“Gornik is an exceptional club and it’s evident everywhere. I’m happy with my debut and with the three points.

“I immediately felt that Gornik is a special place. I’m convinced it was the right decision to come here. I’m glad the manager trusts me because he put me straight into the starting line-up,” Paulo Bernardo said.

Best of luck to both Paulo Bernardo and Luis Palma for the new season…

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