Michel-Ange Balikwisha on his crucial conversation with Brendan Rodgers

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·11 de outubro de 2025

Michel-Ange Balikwisha on his crucial conversation with Brendan Rodgers

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has reflected on his early days at Celtic, crediting Brendan Rodgers for helping him adapt quickly to his new environment…

Michel-Ange Balikwisha. theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The 24-year-old winger completed his transfer from Royal Antwerp in August, bringing an end to a year-long period of speculation linking him with a move to the Hoops.

Vídeos OneFootball

Although his early progress was hindered by the instant impact of fellow summer signing and left-winger Sebastian Tounekti, Balikwisha expressed gratitude to his manager for maintaining faith in him as he strives to secure a regular role with the Scottish champions.

Speaking via Celtic TV, Balikwisha said: “As the gaffer said, it was not easy at the beginning. I was staying in the hotel, but today everything is sorted. It is time for me to show what I am capable of. The staff and my teammates helped me a lot during that time.”

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Celtic Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 27 September 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

“He (Rodgers) spoke to me and told me to be myself because that is why Celtic came to get me. After this discussion, I played as I used to play in Belgium, and I started to feel better and more confident.

“I am training hard every day, the sessions are more intense here than where I came from, so I had to adapt. Now everything is fine, and I hope it continues every day to help the team.”

While Balikwisha has already contributed two assists, he is still waiting to open his goal account for Celtic.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The former Belgium U21 international remains determined to find the net, revealing that he’s visualising his first goal in Celtic colours as he continues to chase that first goal.

“Of course, I am already picturing myself scoring that goal, as every forward would, I imagine,” he said. “I can’t wait for it to happen. I know my teammates will help me. I don’t know how I will react yet, but I will be celebrating with them, my small family, my kids, my wife and the fans.”

There’s a teaser video of the Celtic TV interview on YouTube (see below) with the full interview available on Celtic TV and available to subscribers…

Conor Spence

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain , who also wrote the foreword for Celtic in the Eighties. And you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, plus you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of David Potter’s outstanding final book Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed copy!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS you’ll also receive a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last.

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Also postage will only be charged on ONE book, not per item so if you are in Britain or the six counties you will pay £24.50 for both books – one side by Danny McGrain and that includes the postage costs for speedy delivery. As always the books are hardback and are of the highest quality.