Patrick Roberts: Pep Guardiola refused permanent Celtic deal

Patrick Roberts is paraded at Parkhead after sealing his season-long loan move to Celtic. Picture: SNS.

Patrick Roberts believes the time it took for Pep Guardiola to give the green light for his return to Celtic is a clear indication he may still have a longer-term future at Manchester City.

The summer saga of the winger’s second loan stint with the Scottish champions was formally concluded when he was unveiled at a media conference and greeted by around 150 supporters who had gathered outside Celtic Park.

The love which Roberts felt from those fans – and others on social media who he has revealed made a series of bizarre pledges to him in the event of him rejoining the club – was a significant influence on his determination to push the move through. His parent club required some persuasion. He spent pre-season with Guardiola’s first-team squad, featuring in some of their friendly matches, but the competition for a regular slot in the Premier League remains too hot for the 20-year-old.

According to Roberts, that encouraged Celtic to attempt to sign him on a permanent deal, something which was ruled out by Guardiola, pictured. Under contract at the Etihad until 2020, the player who signed from Fulham for £12 million two years ago still views a possible route into City’s first team further down the line.

“Celtic did try to get the permanent move but, in fairness to City, they wanted to keep me and said that couldn’t happen,” said Roberts. “It gives me a bit of hope obviously they still think I have a long-term future which is good for me. They will let me express myself up here and enjoy my season.

“The bigger picture for me is to be the best player I can be and play in the best league in the world. For me, it is just to improve every day and get better working with the manager here. You never know what can happen in football, so hopefully my career goes the way I plan it to be.”

Asked if that career path may yet lead to him staying at Celtic beyond the new season-long loan, he replied: “You never know in football, as I said last year, and here I am back again.”