Celtic statement as Carl Starfelt transfer exit confirmed

The Swedish defender, 28, has penned a deal with the La Liga club after interest was revealed at the weekend.

Starfelt has signed a four-year deal with the Spanish club.

A Celtic statement read: "After two full seasons with Celtic, Carl Starfelt has left the club to join La Liga side RC Celta.

"The Swedish central defender joined the Hoops in July 2021 from Rubin Kazan and played 87 times for the Hoops, scoring three times.

𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 📣 ¡Carl Starfelt ya es celeste! 🇸🇪🩵

El jugador sueco, que llega para reforzar la defensa, firma por 4 temporadas 🛡

Välkommen till Vigo 🙌 #BenvidoStarfelt pic.twitter.com/oNn1iPTxcq

— RC Celta (@RCCelta) August 10, 2023

"He leaves having won five domestic honours during his time at Paradise, including last season's historic Treble.

"Everyone at Celtic wishes Carl Starfelt every success in his future career."

On Starfelt's exit, Brendan Rodgers had previously commented: “If you look at the bigger picture of it I’m pretty sure in life I’ve made decisions based on my family. He’s obviously in a really strong relationship and we all make decisions based on relationships or family.

“Sometimes you have to compromise. But then, if you’re in a place or a time when you don’t have to compromise then, if you can do something about it you may well do.

“He’s clearly in a really strong relationship. He was very honest with me when I came in. We had a good sit down and chat about it. And I totally understand where he’s coming from. 

“He’s also getting the chance to go to La Liga because, when most players leave here - and even to my own extent - you’re not leaving Celtic, you’re leaving the league. It’s not Celtic you’re leaving.

“I left Celtic for the league, the competition. I’ve come back for Celtic, not the league. 

READ MORE: Rodgers in Starfelt Celtic exit theory as he addresses Jacynta factor

“Young guys like Carl are not leaving Celtic, they are leaving the league to then go and play in La Liga with a greater financial package.

“And then, aligned to that, is a relationship that he’s very, very happy in. It’s a short life, especially as a footballer, and we have to respect that. 

“If it all goes through then, in his time here, he’s been a really good servant to the club. He had a really good partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers for two years and he’ll leave here as a fantastic player who won honours.”