It was a refreshing moment of honesty in a sport where players and coaches jump through hoops to avoid saying what they really think.
In February, Giorgos Giakoumakis made jaws drop when he claimed Celtic were better than Rangers in every department and insisted the trophy was destined for Parkhead.
It turned out that the great Greek could tour with Mystic Meg.
Giakoumakis stood by his words despite some noses being offside across the city and vindication came midweek when his convincing header against Dundee United handed him the title in Ange Postecoglou’s first campaign as manager.
No one was going to deny the striker his great ‘I told you so’ moment.
Giakoumakis chuckled as he said, “He has been proven right, thank God!
“I only said that we would be champions because I felt that we were the best team and we played the best football.
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“It was about believing in my team and nothing else. I was being honest. He wasn’t trying to pick a fight with anyone, that was what he believed.
“Can I say I told you? Exactly! We won the title, so it was the truth.
“It wasn’t something we didn’t expect, to be honest. We work hard every day from the first to the last and we try to improve in every training and game. It was all worth it.”
It just had to be Giakoumakis delivering the decisive blow in the title race. The leader has spoken, but he backed it up by walking the path.
Now he’s looking forward to today’s lap of honor against Hearts.
The former AEK Athens and VVV Venlo hit man said: “It was really nice on the pitch on Wednesday and then at Celtic Park.
“But that was only the first part of the party. Now we have the big one when we get the trophy.
“It was a very nice thing to score the goal. I celebrated the goal normally because I didn’t think it would be the one to secure the title.
“In the end we all celebrated the same because it didn’t matter who scored.
“But it was really nice to do it in front of our fans. They were incredible for us and I dedicate the goal to them.”
Celtic have a team full of heroes this term, but Giakoumakis’ journey is as special as any.
The 27-year-old came in late, struggled to get fit, missed a crucial penalty against Livingston in the bumpy days of autumn and then injured himself warming up to come off the bench.
Giakoumakis knows the bettors had their doubts, but he knew he would beat them.
He said: “When I arrived I hadn’t had a proper pre-season and I didn’t play many games.
“Then I injured my knee and needed surgery. It was a tough period for me.
“We lost points against Livingston because I missed the penalty and it was hard trying to forget it. At that time the fans did not know what he was capable of on the field. They had their doubts, which was fair to be honest.
“But in the second half of the season I managed to score some goals and help my team win the title.
“This is what makes me so happy. Since January I’ve proven myself and I love the real connection I have with the fans now.
“It’s the best feeling. It gives me great motivation to play against them and share my goals.
“It is such a unique feeling to celebrate with these fans. I love it.”
Fans will greet their
stars at Celtic Park this afternoon, and also say goodbye to some departing heroes.
Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton will say goodbye after nearly a decade in Glasgow and Giakoumakis believes they will both be pushed out.
The Greece ace also sees the pair as an inspiration for what he could achieve, or even exceed, during his time in Scotland.
It can be tough going with the duo aiming for 30 major honors between them, but Giakoumakis always likes to shoot big.
He said: “They deserve a great reception. They have written their names in the history of Celta.
“I am very happy to have worked with them and to have known them as footballers and as people.
“They have gained a lot with the team over the years and we wish them all the best for the future. This will be a special day for them. They are the best examples for me for the future here.
“If you stay at Celtic for a long time you can earn the same or even more. This is something they should be really proud of.
“This is a club where you can win many trophies. That’s the goal every year, but you have to go out there and do it. I look forward to the future.”
Giakoumakis wants to start the party with another win before preparing for Greece’s eventful run in the Nations League in June.
He said: “I can’t relax because I have an international duty! But I’m going to enjoy the party and there’s not too much pressure.
“But when you play for Celtic, there is motivation to win every game, whether you have the title or not.
“Our fans will be there to support us, so it’s up to us to win for them.”
Reference-www.dailyrecord.co.uk