Sport nationMoussa Dembele: Celtic’s Hat-Trick Hero Reflects on his Glorious Past
Moussa Dembele, the French striker who once donned the iconic Celtic jersey, has never shied away from expressing his affection for the Scottish giants. Now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, Dembele recently reminisced about his time at Celtic, labeling his hat-trick against Rangers as the pinnacle of his career.
A Star is Born: Dembele’s Celtic Debut
Dembele’s Celtic journey began in 2016, coinciding with Brendan Rodgers’ arrival at the helm. Initially, Leigh Griffiths was the preferred striker, but fate had other plans. Griffiths’ injury paved the way for Dembele’s debut against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Unforgettable Hat-Trick
On September 10, 2016, Dembele etched his name into Celtic folklore, becoming the first player since Harry Hood in the 1970s to score a hat-trick against Rangers. That 5-1 thrashing at Celtic Park remains an unforgettable memory for the Hoops faithful.
Dembele’s Rise to Prominence
Dembele’s impressive display against Rangers marked the beginning of an extraordinary spell at Celtic. His pace, power, and precision in front of goal made him an instant fan favorite. The Frenchman’s goalscoring exploits earned him a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in Scottish football.
A Career-Defining Moment
Reflecting on his hat-trick against Rangers, Dembele revealed, “The best memory of my career was scoring three goals against Rangers.” This sentiment speaks volumes about the significance of that match and his affinity for Celtic.
Life After Celtic
Dembele’s departure from Celtic in 2018 was met with mixed emotions. His transfer to Lyon marked a new chapter in his career, but his love for Celtic remained unwavering. “I think it was one of the best experiences of my life playing for Celtic. I enjoyed those two years, and I’m still a big fan of Celtic and keep following the club every game.”
The Invincible Season
Dembele played a pivotal role in Celtic’s Invincible season (2016-2017), where they secured a historic treble without losing a single domestic game. Matt Corr’s book, “Invincible,” chronicles that remarkable campaign, offering an in-depth look at Dembele’s contributions.
Celtic’s Enduring Legacy
Dembele’s Celtic legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. His passion and dedication have inspired a new generation of Celtic supporters. As he continues to thrive in Saudi Arabia, his memories of Celtic remain cherished.
Key Statistics:
- Moussa Dembele’s Celtic goal tally: 51 goals in 94 appearances
- Hat-tricks against Rangers: 1 (September 10, 2016)
- Invincible season goals: 32 goals in 49 appearances
Expert Analysis:
“Moussa Dembele’s hat-trick against Rangers will forever be etched in Celtic history. His impact at Celtic was immense, and his affection for the club remains genuine.” – Celtic historian, Matt Corr.
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