Schalke defender Moritz Jenz has claimed “it became difficult” for him to remain at Celtic, hence his surprise departure in the January transfer window.
Jenz joined Celtic on loan from FC Lorient in July last year and went on to make 19 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants this season.
He had been a regular for Ange Postecoglou’s side in league and cup until the middle of November, when he fell out of the first team after a 38th minute appearance against Ross County.
From that point he failed to make a single appearance for Celtic in the league, sitting on the bench for the entirety of December or being left out of the squad.
The move was very much a surprise one, but he insists it had to happen, even if he does have one fond memory of his time at Celtic Park, the nickname from the fans.
“I played all the time and was a regular in the Champions League,” he told SportBILD.
“We were top of the league. But there are moments when a coach decides to use other players. Then it became difficult for me. Lorient, my home club, then also sought a change.
“Celtic had a purchase option for the coming summer, and from Lorient’s point of view, it was becoming increasingly unrealistic that this would be drawn. Moreover, it was also my clear desire to change clubs.
“That (the nickname) was after my first game for Celtic against Ross County. I scored directly in the 3-1 win, and a friend from Italy wrote to me afterwards that the Celtic fans were already publishing photos on the internet of Mercedes cars with my head on them.
“That went round more and more. When I was walking through Glasgow, almost everyone addressed me as “Mercedes”. I think it’s great because it’s a form of appreciation.”
