Maik Nawrocki pens emotional Celtic farewell but calls out club | OneFootball

Maik Nawrocki has penned an emotional farewell to Celtic after completing his move to Lens. The Polish defender leaves for the Ligue 1 runners up in a deal that was seemingly put together very quickly.

Nawrocki, who arrived from Legia Warsaw, failed to hold down a regular spot with Brendan Rodgers before being moved on by Martin O’Neill this summer. In the goodbye post on Instagram, Nawrocki highlighted decisions that were made on and off the field that he wished had been handled differently, seemingly a barb at the club.

“Dear Celts,

“Unfortunately, my time at the club has come to an end.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this huge club. To work every day in such a special environment like Celtic, to experience the atmosphere at Celtic Park week by week and to represent this club in one of the biggest derbies in the world is something I will always be thankful for.

Arne Engels, Nicolas Kuhn and Maik Nawrocki of Celtic walk out prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg Training Session at Lennoxtown Training Centre on February 11, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“At the same time, there were moments and decisions that I would have preferred to be handled differently, both on and off the pitch. Nevertheless, I always gave everything I had and tried to help the team whenever I had the chance.

“A big thank you to all the fans, my teammates and the staff members. I always felt loved and respected by all of you and I will always be grateful for that. I wish everyone at the club all the best and every success in the future.”

Nawrocki made just 18 appearances for Celtic, scoring once. The decision by Rodgers to effectively bomb him out of the team is one that will go against the Irishman, especially when numbers were thin on the ground.

The fact that Nawrocki was wanted by Lens proves that Celtic didn’t value the Pole adequately. Ultimately, Celtic fans did not see enough of the player to rate him, which is a shame as he always looked steady.