Michel-Ange Balikwisha is out on loan at Gent, and he’s already talking about rediscovering the joy of playing, a statement that screams volumes about his incredibly difficult first season at Celtic. After making a £4.5 million move to Parkhead, the 25-year-old was essentially sidelined, logging just two league starts before the club shipped him off to Belgium. That’s a brutal stat for any player, let alone one with that kind of price tag.
A Tough Break in Glasgow, A Fresh Start in Belgium
It’s clear Balikwisha struggled for opportunities in Glasgow, and that lack of pitch time must have been eating at him. He needed this move to Gent, and he’s not holding back about how much it means. “I want to rediscover the joy of playing at Gent,” he told The Herald, “For me, it’s fantastic to be able to play again. I love being on the pitch and being able to touch the ball, whatever the circumstances.” You can practically feel the relief in those words. Getting your feet on the ball again, just being out there, it’s everything to a player.
Finding Form and Earning His Spot
He’s not just talking the talk, either. Balikwisha has already made an encouraging start with Gent, helping his new side secure victories over Club Brugge and OH Leuven. That’s the kind of early momentum that can turn a season around, both for him and his new club. The Congo international hopes this move is exactly what he needs to get back to his best form. He’s also eyeing the bigger picture: securing a spot in the Europa Conference League stages was a huge draw for him, and the prospect of “playing on Thursdays and weekends is an attractive prospect.” He knows he has to earn it, too, saying, “There is competition for places here and I know I have to earn my place. Just because I come from a club like Celtic doesn’t mean I have to be a starter from the outset.” That’s the right attitude. He’s not resting on his laurels, he’s ready to fight for his spot and get back to loving the game. We’ll be watching to see if he can keep that fire burning at Gent and truly rediscover his spark.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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