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Jozo Simunovic

Discussion in 'Ex Players' started by Officer Doofy, Aug 15, 2015.

Discuss Jozo Simunovic in the Ex Players area at TalkCeltic.net.

  1. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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    FORMER Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic's move to Rijeka has collapsed after the Croatian side expressed serious doubts about his previous knee injuries.

    The Croatian stopper was back in his homeland and was expected to complete a move to Rijeka, who finished third last year in their league.


    But they pulled out of the deal after expressing misgivings over his future fitness.

    Simunovic had a knee operation last year at Celtic and also suffered knee ligament damage four years ago when he missed a huge chunk of the season.


    Rijeka are now the second club this summer to pull out of signing the 26-year-old at the last minute after Turkish side Trabzonspor also abandoned a move to sign him after expressing concerns about his fitness.

    The defender was surprisingly released by Neil Lennon earlier in the summer despite helping the Hoops to five titles in a row during the time he spent at the club, following his move from Dinamo Zagreb.


    Simunovic also picked up three Scottish Cups and three League Cups during his time with the Hoops, but faces an uncertain future as he tried to find a new club.
     
  2. Jeffrey

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    Ridiculous he’s not got a team
     
  3. avitar Gold Member Gold Member

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    wonder if his knee is the real reason he never got a new deal with us
     
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  4. Officer Doofy Come to me, human man Gold Member

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    Feel for the guy. Hope he gets a club soon.
     
  5. Ziggy

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    Pretty sure that's two medicals hes now failed this summer
     
  6. _DannyBhoy_ Gold Member Gold Member

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    Didn’t realise his move to Turkey collapsed. Thought that was a done deal.

    Hope he gets a move soon.
     
  7. Westlondonscot Gold Member Gold Member

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    His legs are shot, which I assume we didn't keep him as back up for this season. Considering he's 26 that's tragic. I think he may have to spend a year at a fairly low club to get himself fit or maybe take a year's rest to heal properly. He's a successful footballer too, 8 league titles and 7 domestic cups.
     
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  8. honda Gold Member Gold Member

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    Must be some knee injury. Early retirement for him.
     
  9. Ziggy

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    Lennon said last season he had something wrong with his knee that wasn't going to get better it just had to be managed. Hence why he never played on plastic
     
  10. Dannybhoy81

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    Hopefully he gets something soon, it would be a shame if he had to retire.
    He gave us at least 2 memorable moments in the goal for Cesar and knocking that wee * in to orbit
     
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  11. McGrory1888

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    I feel for the lad. I was never totally convinced by him but he was undoubtedly talented and held back majorly by issues. Being in the team for a few games and then out for a few, it’s almost impossible to fully hit your stride.

    Wish him nothing but the best :50:
     
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  12. celtic warrior

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    Gutted, not something we wish on any former Celt.

    Long line of defenders who showed such promise for us but injuries and an inexplicable loss of form just batters the confidence out of them
     
  13. Peej Gold Member Gold Member

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    Very likely. 5 years he was here, done his ligament 4 years ago and was never the same again. Can't play on plastic pitches, some years that is every 4th game or so for us away. Due to that and the ongoing issues with his knee he also took multiple games to get back up to speed. Real shame for the lad, 22 and his career basically got spanked out the park. Always tried to do well and I think he tried hard to get back to normal fitness with his injury, but it never was going to happen. Best for him to move on I think and get decent game time on better pitches and less physical league somewhere.
     
  14. Peej Gold Member Gold Member

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    From 1:31 it builds to perfection for the tackle at 1:35
    I will never get sick of watching that tackle, practically a perfect tackle, never touches the player, studs down, yet came in with such determination and commitment it was unreal. Takes all the ball with such force, bounces right off the ref and Brown then collects with equal amount of determination. * brilliant.
    His head dips down as well as he slides, knows exactly what he is doing and does it superbly, looks up and gets on.

    I am sure we go on to have a good chance on goal as well, would have been brilliant if we did score from it.



    Nothing needs said really about this one, can see even as Jozo looks up to the sky, he knows how much that means as well.


    I fully agree @Dannybhoy81 those two moments will forever be remembered. Shame for his injury and wish him all the best going forward, but the guy done well for us and provided these two classic moments!
    Hail Hail Jozo and good luck.
     
  15. McChiellini..

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    Obviously..
     
  16. Maestro 08

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    He'll get a club, he has good pedigree and someone will take chance on him. What he'll prob end up with tho is a lower end team and/or pay as you play type deal to prove his fitness.

    Just get the feeling he's one more knee injury away from early retirement unfortunately.
     
  17. DonnyCelt

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    Re-sign him
     
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  18. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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    Milan have reportedly put Jozo Simunovic on their shortlist as they hunt for centre-back options.

    The Croat has been a free agent since leaving Celtic at the end of last season, with injury worries seeing moves to Rijeka and Trabzonspor collapse.




    Simunovic could soon be back at Celtic Park though if a German report is to be believed.

    It's no secret that Europa League foes Milan were looking for a centre-back all summer, with Kris Ajer a target for the Serie A side.

    The transfer window closed without the Rossoneri securing a player to bolster Stefano Pioli's defence and the Hamburger Morgenpost believes they're in talks with former Arsenal man Sokratis Papastathopoulos.


    Simunovic is said to be an alternative as Milan can only sign free agents outside of a transfer window.

    And if they did make a move the defender would be set to renew acquaintances with his former side.



    The Italians are in the same Europa League group and visit Celtic Park on Thursday.

    There's a return at San Siro in December and while Simunovic wouldn't be able to play as the squad registration deadline has passed he'd be sure to catch up with his former team-mates.
     
  19. CookieMonster Geez yer cookies Gold Member

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    Milan wanting to sign him :56: they must be desperate, but they’ll probably still beat us.
     
  20. jambo_cfc

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    Bring back jozo
     
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