Balde To Decide For His Playing Career

December 31, 2007

According to Gordon Strachan, it is the players who decide for their own future with the club. They are open to deals as long as their players are willing, although they also encourage them to stay if they deem it possible. If Bobo Balde decides to stay with the Celtic, then he can do so and the club will be more than supportive with his decision.

The 32-year-old signed a contract with the club until 2009. Many thought that he has played his last game with his team this season, but decided to stay before the last transfer window closed.

Balde fail to spot the start of the 06-07 season subsequent to finding out that he had to undergo surgery because of a unrelenting stomach muscle problem. He returned to the team in the month of November but suffered a broken leg during a match. The Guinea international was sent-off during the first half of the 2-2 draw against Dundee United. He was then ruled out again for several months.

Strachan doesn’t have any regrets about leave-taking Balde on the sidelines pending this week. Balde made his first appearance this season on December 26, 2007 precisely a year after his last, in a 2-0 triumph to Dundee United. His attendance aided Celtic to their first away win in roughly 15 months. He was then awarded “Man Of The Match” for his remarkable performance.

Strachan again emphasized that Balde, who is scheduled to leave for the African Nations Cup after his next two games against Gretna today and against Rangers on January 2, still holds his future in his own hands.

Posted in General