Kieran Tierney – Enjoying his football in La Liga, loving life in San Sebastián

Former Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney will have his eyes on the Glasgow Derby on Sunday as Celtic travel across the city to Ibrox looking to extend the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to four points. And with Brendan Rodgers and John Kennedy in charge, KT is confident and has every faith that the Bhoys can get the desired result.

Key performer

After being a key performer in the Arsenal team, the Scotland defender found himself out in the cold.  A loan move to La Liga side Real Sociedad was the solution that suited all parties. Certainly the former Celtic academy star has no regrets about moving to the Basque Country. KT has set about getting himself fully integrated into the region. He’s learning the language and the culture and with a return to Arsenal unlikely, you get the impression that a permanent move could be on the cards this summer.

No regrets

“Genuinely, not for one second have I ever regretted coming out here. Not even during my injury spells. I’ve loved my time out here so far, and there’s a while yet before the season ends,” Tierney told Scottish Sun.

Kieran Tierney  is challenged by Nico Williams during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad at Estadio de San Mames on January 13, 2024 in Bilbao. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Wonderful experience

“Sociedad’s a great club with amazing supporters. The players and staff have done so much to make sure I settled, while the physios and medical folk have been incredible. It’s such a well-run club from top to bottom. They have got so many people to help you with anything. Coming here is one of the best decisions I’ll ever make. Personally and professionally, it’s been a wonderful experience.

Welcomed with open arms

“Right at the start I was determined to learn the language, educate myself in the culture of the club and the area, and be as respectful as I could.

“Sociedad showed a lot of faith and have treated me brilliantly. The very least they have deserved is my best as a player, and my total commitment to adapting to the life here. On and off the park it has been fantastic. From day one, I’ve been welcomed everywhere with open arms.

It’s all good banter

“The players are always laughing at my attempts to speak the language. It’s all good banter. The dressing room’s strong. During training there’s about 10 to 15 things you need to say on the pitch and I can say all of that. A full-blown, in-depth conversation is where I struggle. But in general I’m able to get by.

“I’m playing for one of the best teams in La Liga. It’s a young side with plenty of home-grown players and a great head coach. I feel I can relate to a lot of players. I, too, came through the ranks at the club I was born into and grew up with.

“I’ll always follow Sociedad”

“One million per cent, it’s a club that will always be in my heart. “I’ll always follow Sociedad, always support them — and there are people I’ll stay in touch with forever.”

To read about Kieran Tierney’s thoughts on The Glasgow Derby and how he reckons Sunday’s crucial match at Ibrox will turn out, head over to our sister site, The Celtic Star…

ON THE CELTIC STAR…“I’ve got every faith in them, Brendan’s a great manager who has a fantastic derby record,” KT

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