Former Celtic star, Kundai Benyu has revealed in an interview with Football Scotland how he was let down by former gaffer Brendan Rodgers.
Benyu signed for the Scottish champions at a time when the team was rampant in Scotland and sweeping all before them and the Zimbabwean tells of his struggles to break into the team and how Rodgers convinced him to snub EPL teams such as Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa to join him in Glasgow.
Benyu believes he wasn’t given a proper opportunity to make his mark in Paradise and after just one appearance for the Hoops, he was shipped out on loan to Oldham Athletic.
The 24 year old, however, is not bitter about his time in Glasgow and has no regrets, “Celtic played Champions League and that was always appealing to me.
“Brendan actually called me personally which was amazing. Aston Villa, Tottenham, West Ham and all the other clubs just sent representatives but Brendan calling was major for me.
“(Later) I wasn’t angry at all but I was really frustrated because I wasn’t given a fair chance.
“I believe in my ability and I was better than some people but it didn’t matter what I did in training, certain players would still get the nod ahead of me.
“If I said something, people would say I had a bad attitude, but I just wanted to play and show what I could do.
“I have no regrets but a lot was promised that wasn’t delivered.
“For a young player, the stadium and Champions League potential was so appealing and I did everything and beyond, it just didn’t work out.”
Benyu has since moved on in his career and has earned two caps for his national side.
After spells at Helsingborgs and Wealdstone in England’s fifth tier, he has now settled in Iceland’s second tier where he now plies his trade for Vestri.
“Former Celtic star.” Really? Anyone remember him?
Don’t feel bad about it. Rodgers promised us the earth too and couldn’t get out fast enough as soon as a Sunday League pub team flashed a chequebook at him.