Benfica

Why Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo left his clothes in Glasgow

Paulo Bernardo, a promising footballer, spent the summer of 2024 in a state of anxious anticipation, uncertain about his future but clear about one thing: his heart belonged to Glasgow.

His emotional connection to the city was so strong that he left not only his heart but also his clothes and personal belongings in storage there, as if anticipating his return to Celtic. This act of leaving his possessions behind was both a symbolic gesture and a practical one, reflecting his deep desire to return to the club he had grown to love.

Bernardo’s hopes were bolstered by a conversation with Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, who expressed a desire to have him back in the squad. This assurance gave Bernardo confidence that his dream of rejoining Celtic would come true.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his career, he chose to leave his belongings in Glasgow, a city that had become a second home to him.

He patiently waited for weeks, willing to endure the inconvenience and cost of storing his things, trusting that his patience would eventually pay off.

His faith was rewarded when Celtic and Benfica reached an agreement for his permanent transfer.

Last week, Bernardo signed a five-year contract, cementing his place at the club he had come to love. Settling back into life in Glasgow, he expressed his gratitude to the Celtic fans for welcoming him so warmly. The city, with its calm and serene atmosphere, suited his quiet personality, and he found solace in its parks and peaceful surroundings.

His girlfriend, who had been with him during his previous season at Celtic, also enjoyed life in Glasgow, making the transition back to the city even smoother.

Reflecting on his decision to leave his belongings in Glasgow, Bernardo explained that it was driven by his strong desire to return to Celtic.

Although he had considered other options, his heart was set on coming back to the club. He conveyed his wishes to his agent, who worked to make the move possible.

The ease with which the decision was made underscored Bernardo’s deep connection to Celtic and his determination to be part of the team once more.

Being settled off the pitch, Bernardo believes, will allow him to perform even better than he did last season. He never had any issues adjusting to life in Scotland, finding the environment calming and conducive to his quiet nature.

This sense of stability, combined with the support of his girlfriend, made his time in Glasgow enjoyable and stress-free.

On the pitch, Bernardo proved himself to be a valuable asset to Celtic, stepping up in crucial moments. Whether it was filling in for a teammate during a Champions League match or scoring a stunning goal in his Old Firm debut against Rangers, he demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

One of his most memorable contributions came during the Scottish Cup final when he unleashed a powerful shot that led to a crucial goal, securing the trophy for Celtic.

The success of that moment and the recognition from his manager in the aftermath reinforced Bernardo’s belief that he had made the right decision. Rodgers’ praise and assurance that he wanted Bernardo in the squad further solidified his commitment to the club. Despite the uncertainties of the transfer market, Bernardo was thrilled that everything had worked out in his favor, allowing him to continue his journey with Celtic.

In conclusion, Paulo Bernardo’s story is one of faith, patience, and a deep connection to a club and city that have become an integral part of his life. His decision to leave his belongings in Glasgow, even amid uncertainty, was a testament to his desire to return to Celtic.

Now, with a permanent contract in hand and a supportive environment both on and off the pitch, Bernardo is ready to take his performance to new heights as he continues his career with the club he loves.