RYAN CHRISTIE has thanked the Celtic fans for their “unconditional love” as he paid tribute to “this special club” in an emotional farewell.
The Scotland forward sealed a deadline day move to Bournemouth, ending months of speculation about his future.
The former Inverness playmaker joined Celtic in 2015 and spent six years on the books at Parkhead, helping them to two trebles.
The 26 year-old shared pics of some of his greatest moments with his 127,000 followers on Twitter.
And he admitted he would be “forever grateful” as he prepares for a new life with the English Championship outfit.
He wrote: “Thank you @celticfc for the last 6 years of my life.
“I will be forever grateful to have played a very small part in this club’s massive history.
“The 6 trophies/ 2 trebles we won together were truly special and will always make me proud.
Most read in Football
“Thank you to all the fans for your incredible support and unconditional love.
“It was a privilege to play in front of you every week and the famous European nights were always incredible.
“Also thank you to the players, managers and background staff who all work so hard to make this club what it is and have helped me become the player and person I am today.
“I have met some amazing people during my time here and am lucky to have made friends for life.
“After 8 seasons in Scotland I felt it was time for a change and a fresh challenge and I am very excited for the new chapter that lies ahead.
“I wish everyone involved with this special club all the very best for the future.”
Christie admitted earlier in the week that he’d had a soft spot for Bournemouth for a while.
He said: “Throughout my whole career I’ve always wanted to try my hand down in England and I’m really excited to join a team who’s going for promotion, going out to win games and achieve success.
POISON PEN Celtic fans’ new favourite club Catholic United blast ‘hateful’ abuse since Cameron Carter-Vickers tweet
“It sounds a bit crazy but I’ve actually had an affection for Bournemouth for years now.
“Believe it not they put a bid in for me back in my Inverness days as a really young player. You could say I’ve looked out for the club for a good few years now.
“As soon as I heard the club were an option, I managed to speak to Scott Parker and with the way he spoke, he’s a big encouragement in terms of the brand of football and the way his teams play.
“From watching what he did with Fulham and then seeing him come to Bournemouth I think I’m taking a big step in the right direction.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page