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Celtic star claims club RUINED his World Cup dream as he reveals he wanted to be subbed-off v Rangers after TEN MINUTES

CELTIC flop Michel-Ange Balikwisha has accused the Parkhead club of ruining his World Cup dream by refusing him a loan last season. And he's revealed how he wanted to be subbed off in his first Old Firm match against Rangers…

By Mark Walker · The Scottish Sun

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 8:28 AM

Key Things to Know

Michel-Ange Balikwisha claimed Celtic ruined his World Cup hopes by blocking an MLS loan move.
Balikwisha revealed he wanted to be substituted after ten minutes in his Old Firm debut against Rangers.
The forward failed to score in 13 Celtic appearances after joining for £5 million from Royal Antwerp.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has accused Celtic of ruining his World Cup dream after the club blocked a three-month MLS loan move last season. The 25-year-old DR Congo international revealed he was sidelined by manager Martin O'Neill after returning from the African Cup of Nations, failing to score in 13 total appearances for the Glasgow side following his £5 million transfer from Royal Antwerp.

Balikwisha also admitted he wanted to be substituted after just ten minutes of his Old Firm debut against Rangers due to the game's physical intensity. Currently on loan at Gent, the forward hopes the Belgian club activates their permanent purchase option and resells him for £15 million to £20 million.

Read the full article on The Scottish Sun