I’ve had to learn to cope with transfer ‘noise’, says Celtic’s Matt O’Riley

By Gavin McCafferty, PA

April 29, 2024 at 5:37PM BST

Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has acknowledged the challenges he faced dealing with transfer speculation earlier this year.

O’Riley was the subject of an unsuccessful bid by Atletico Madrid during the transfer window.

Reflecting on his season after being shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year, the 23-year-old stated: “It has been eventful. It has been really fun. I have learned a lot.

“Naturally, when you are performing well, there is a lot of attention around you. I have had to manage things both on and off the pitch, which has contributed to my personal growth.”

I’ve had to learn to cope with transfer ‘noise’, says Celtic’s Matt O’Riley
Institute host Ballymena at the Brandywell in promotion/relegation play-off
Celtic v Atletico Madrid O’Riley impressed Atletico Madrid during the Champions League (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The most significant speculation arose in January when Celtic turned down an offer from the Spanish club.

“It was challenging initially,” O’Riley admitted regarding the transfer rumors. “It was a new experience.

“I believe that if a similar situation arises in the future, I would handle it better. I don’t think I handled it poorly, it was just a first-time occurrence for me.

“It naturally lingered in the back of my mind, and the first few games were difficult. I discussed it off the pitch with a friend, and I managed to refocus.”

O’Riley is Celtic’s leading goal scorer in the league this season with 13 goals and leads the Premiership in assists with 11. Despite players like Reo Hatate being sidelined due to injury for a significant portion of the season, O’Riley has had to manage the high expectations associated with his performance.

“That is another aspect I have had to navigate,” he remarked. “I don’t believe I need to burden myself with unnecessary pressure, and when I do, it only takes one misstep to add that extra weight.

“It’s something I have been actively working on managing and improving over time.

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