“Leaving Celtic was definitely the right decision, BUT…” – Celtic former player NOW Regretting leaving Celtic as he reveals he’s now Missing the atmosphere of Celtic Park…

Former Celtic striker Hyeon-gyu Oh, who departed the Scottish champions for Belgian side KRC Genk during the summer transfer window, has opened up about his decision to leave and how he’s adapting to his new club. While the South Korean international believes leaving Celtic was the right choice, he admitted missing the unique atmosphere of his time in Scotland.

Limited Opportunities at Celtic

During his time at Celtic, Hyeon-gyu Oh struggled for consistent game time, particularly under manager Brendan Rodgers. The 23-year-old made only one league appearance in the latter half of last season. Frustrated by his lack of opportunities, he opted to move to Genk in search of regular minutes on the pitch.

Despite his optimism about the transfer, the situation at Genk has not been ideal. Oh has yet to make a league start for the Belgian Pro League side, appearing 14 times as a substitute. Nonetheless, he has managed to score three goals and provide one assist, including a memorable brace in Genk’s 2-1 victory over KV Mechelen in September, where he netted the late winner.

Embracing New Challenges

In a recent interview, Hyeon-gyu Oh reflected on his decision to leave Celtic and expressed satisfaction with his new environment. “Definitely. I feel good here, on and off the field,” he stated. “I also feel that the coach believes in me. I respect his choices, he tries to get the most out of our core by using everyone. It’s up to me to seize the opportunities when I get them.”

At Genk, manager Thorsten Fink has largely relied on Tolu Arokodare to lead the attack. The Nigerian forward has been a regular starter and even played a pivotal role in securing a late equalizer during Genk’s recent derby against Sint-Truidense. Despite being second-choice, Oh remains optimistic and focused on making the most of his opportunities.

Comparing Atmospheres: Scotland vs. Belgium

One aspect of his Celtic tenure that Hyeon-gyu Oh still cherishes is the electrifying atmosphere of the Old Firm derby against Rangers. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “I like such charged matches. The atmosphere was there [in Belgium], but it could not yet be compared to the Old Firm in Scotland. Playing with Celtic against Rangers was always a unique experience.”

The South Korean forward highlighted how the passion of Celtic fans and the intensity of the rivalry made those matches unforgettable. While the Belgian Pro League boasts competitive fixtures, Oh noted that it lacks the same fervor and energy that the Old Firm consistently delivers.

Balancing Optimism and Reality

Although Hyeon-gyu Oh acknowledges missing certain aspects of his time at Celtic, he stands by his decision to leave. “I made the right choice,” he reiterated, emphasizing his commitment to adapting to life at Genk. His optimism stems from the belief that his hard work and perseverance will eventually lead to more significant contributions on the pitch.

The striker’s adaptability and positive outlook have been well-received by Genk’s coaching staff, who appreciate his professionalism and determination to succeed. However, breaking into the starting lineup remains a challenge, with Arokodare continuing to excel as the team’s primary striker.

Moving Forward

For Hyeon-gyu Oh, the journey at Genk is still in its early stages. His current role as a substitute provides opportunities to make an impact in key moments, as evidenced by his goals and assist so far this season. With time, he hopes to establish himself as a regular starter and further develop his skills in Belgium’s competitive league.

Meanwhile, Celtic has moved forward without the South Korean forward, focusing on their domestic and European campaigns under Brendan Rodgers. Oh’s departure reflects the challenges players often face when competing for limited opportunities at top clubs.

Conclusion

Hyeon-gyu Oh’s departure from Celtic underscores the complexities of a footballer’s career decisions. While he has yet to secure a starting role at Genk, his reflections reveal a player determined to grow and succeed in a new environment. At the same time, his fond memories of Celtic and the Old Firm highlight the lasting impact of his brief but significant stint in Scotland.

As the 23-year-old continues to navigate his career, his journey serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability, patience, and seizing opportunities, both on and off the field.