Moritz Jenz admits there were 'difficult' moments he faced in his loan spell at Celtic but had a 'clear desire' to change clubs.
The German defender was recruited by Ange Postecoglou last summer to bolster defensive options with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt holding down the fort. The loan swoop proved to be essential as the Swede's injury problems allowed Jenz to be at the forefront in key Champions League and league action in the first half of the season.
Yet the 23-year-old found game time hugely sparse since the World Cup break and last month sealed a move to Bundesliga strugglers Schalke with parent club Lorient fearing the Hoops wouldn't enact their purchase option. The towering centre-half delivered a heartfelt goodbye to fans after being branded 'Mercedes Jenz' and admits he loved than moniker.
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He told Sports Bild: "I played all the time and was a regular in the Champions League.
“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."
He added: “That 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.”
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