“I Didn’t Want to Leave” – Adam Matthews Reflects on Painful Celtic Exit

Former Celtic right-back Adam Matthews has opened up on the emotional and sudden nature of his departure from Celtic back in 2015. The Welsh international, who spent four successful years at Parkhead, admitted that leaving the club wasn’t part of his plan—and that the entire process felt rushed and bittersweet.

Matthews joined Celtic in 2011 from Cardiff City and quickly became a mainstay in the team’s defence. Under Neil Lennon’s management, he was part of a dominant Celtic side that lifted league titles and competed regularly in European competitions. Known for his pace, work rate, and commitment, Matthews earned the admiration of supporters and established himself as a reliable presence at right-back.

However, as is often the case in football, circumstances changed. As Matthews entered the final year of his contract in 2015, Celtic opted to cash in rather than risk losing him on a free transfer. Manager Ronny Deila had begun favouring Mikael Lustig in the right-back position, prompting a shift in Matthews’ status within the squad.

A Move That Came Out of Nowhere

Celtic’s acceptance of a transfer bid from Premier League club Sunderland came as a shock to Matthews. Speaking candidly about that period, he said the deal came together almost overnight. One moment he was resting at home, the next he was receiving calls from his agent with news that Celtic had accepted Sunderland’s offer.

“It happened quite quickly, to be honest,” Matthews told Record Sport. “I went home one day, fell asleep on the sofa, woke up, and had missed calls with my agent saying Celtic have accepted a bid. And I was straight down there. I didn’t have much time to think about it.”

Despite the allure of the English Premier League and the opportunity to test himself in a more competitive environment, Matthews admitted he wasn’t actively looking to leave. In fact, preliminary discussions about a contract extension had taken place, but ultimately, those talks went nowhere.

“I didn’t particularly want to leave, to be honest. I wasn’t the number one choice. I think Ronny preferred Lustig, which is fair enough. Lustig’s a brilliant player and he’s done really well for Celtic. So it’s not that I wanted to leave… we were half discussing a new contract, which didn’t materialise.”

The Challenge at Sunderland

Matthews’ move to Sunderland presented a completely different challenge. The Premier League demands more physically and mentally, with relentless pressure and expectations. While the chance to play at the highest level in England was tempting, the transition wasn’t seamless.

Injuries and inconsistent form plagued his time at the Stadium of Light, and he never quite managed to recapture the rhythm he had at Celtic. Though he continued to ply his trade at clubs like Bristol City and Charlton Athletic later in his career, there remained a sense that his time at Celtic had ended prematurely.

A Bond That Endured

What’s most striking about Matthews’ comments is the depth of feeling he still has for Celtic. Even years after his departure, he speaks with genuine affection for the club, the fans, and his former teammates. He was only 19 when he arrived in Glasgow, and during his four-year spell, he matured as both a player and a person.

“I loved my time there,” he said. “It was a little bit bittersweet, really. I wasn’t buzzing to go, you know what I mean?”

Matthews was part of a side that dominated Scottish football, frequently battled in Europe, and upheld the club’s proud traditions. Playing under Lennon during the club’s resurgence in the early 2010s, Matthews contributed significantly on the pitch and earned the trust of the manager and supporters alike.

He was well-liked for his commitment, attacking energy down the flank, and his versatility in defensive roles. That bond with the club wasn’t easily forgotten—and the sense of unfinished business lingered long after his exit.

A Possible Return That Never Materialised

In 2019, when Neil Lennon returned for a second stint as Celtic manager, whispers emerged of a potential reunion with Matthews. At the time, the full-back was looking for a new challenge and would have welcomed the opportunity to return to a place he still held close to his heart.

“When Lennon came back, there was interest,” Matthews revealed. “The move didn’t happen, but I would’ve jumped at the chance.”

Sadly, the reunion never came to fruition. The club opted to pursue other options, and Matthews would continue his career elsewhere. But the door, it seems, was never truly closed in his mind.

Football Moves On

As Matthews reflects on his Celtic departure, his story is a reminder of how quickly things can change in football. New managers bring new ideas. Established players can suddenly find themselves on the fringes. And sometimes, even those who want to stay are pushed to move on due to circumstances out of their control.

For Matthews, the transfer to Sunderland wasn’t driven by ambition or disloyalty—it was the result of a club decision that left him with little choice. Though he accepted it and moved forward, his reflections today still carry a tone of regret.

His case also highlights how the emotional side of the game often gets lost in the business of football. Fans tend to focus on form and results, but for the players, the game is personal. Leaving a club where you’ve grown, thrived, and built relationships isn’t always easy.

A Legacy at Celtic

Despite the abrupt ending, Adam Matthews’ contributions to Celtic shouldn’t be forgotten. He was part of a winning era. He played in memorable European nights. And most importantly, he gave everything he had each time he pulled on the Hoops.

Fans still recall his link-up play down the right flank, his commitment to the badge, and his professionalism. And if there’s any lingering bitterness on his part, it’s not towards the club—but towards the way things unfolded.

Matthews may have moved on, but his heart clearly never left Celtic. And in football, that’s often the clearest sign of a player who truly valued his time at a club.