Karamoko Dembele ended his relationship with the green and white hoops of Celtic FC today as he joined French side Brest on a free transfer. Dembele was much vaunted and lauded whilst at Celtic Park for his enormous potential, harking back to the days when Brendan Rodgers was in charge of the club.
As he leaves us after his 13-year association with the club, the young man posted an emotional and determined farewell via social media platform Instagram. The winger was the next big thing according to those who knew the game in Scotland and such was his ability that he was playing with the Development Team when he was just 13-years-old.
He represented both Scotland and England at international level and had yet to decide on a permanent state of residence when injuries and bad luck curtailed his fledgling career. Suffering an horrendous challenge from a Bristol City player during last summer’s pre-season preparations, Karamoko was sidelines with a severe ankle injury that went on to keep him out of action for most of the year.
Sadly, this year was to be his last in the Hoops, as he was not offered an extension to his deal which ran out at the end of May. Now looking to the future, the player of Ivorian descent recognised a tough past two years, but insisted his future holds a multitude of opportunities. Posting a picture of himself with the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park a few years back, he captioned below:
“After 13 years at Celtic my time at the club has come to an end. I’d like to thank the fans and the people that helped me through this journey. Although not everything went according to plan…the challenges I faced over the past 2 years was not foreseen however with faith and the support of my family I knew it would come to pass. Greater things to come!
Lots of love
Karamoko”
He will always be well regarded within the walls of Paradise and throughout the fanbase. It wasn’t to be for Karamoko and Celtic and this is where we part and the story comes to an end. We wish him all the very best for the future, as it will no doubt be a very bright one still.
All the Best, wee man.
Paul Gillespie
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