Jonny Hayes confirms he is leaving Celtic this summer

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Celtic utility player Jonny Hayes has confirmed he is leaving the club this summer in an emotional Instagram post. 

The 32-year-old, who has played 26 games for the club this season, scoring once in a 2-0 win over Old Firm rivals Rangers, is out of contract this summer and it is clear Celtic are not renewing that deal. 

Hayes took to his social media page to announce the ‘tough decision’ and thank Celtic fans for their support over the past three years at the club. 

Signed from Aberdeen in a reported (Daily Mail) £1 million deal, Hayes, unfortunately, broke his leg in December 2017 and Hayes missed the second half of his debut season. 

He went on to become a reliable squad player at Celtic, playing in various positions and helping the club secure nine titles in a row. 

Speaking to STV in December, Celtic boss Neil Lennon seemed to suggest that a new deal could be on the horizon for the four-cap Republic of Ireland international, praising Hayes’ impact during his time at the club.

“We’ve just had tentative talks at the moment but we’ll see how that goes.

“I like him. He’s done really well for me.

“I think he can play a number of positions and he’s very fit and very quick. He’s a good squad player.

“Put it this way, since I’ve come in he’s not let me down.”

However, due to the global health crisis, Celtic will be looking to trim their budget as much as possible and that appears to mean Hayes is no longer being kept on. 

Undoubtedly a cult hero at Celtic for his no-nonsense style and happiness to play a squad role at Parkhead, Celtic fans will miss Hayes and no doubt wish him all the best in his next move.