Jonny Hayes reflects on 'hard' exit from Celtic | OneFootball

Jonny Hayes believes his time at Celtic has been cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was confirmed over the weekend that the Republic of Ireland winger, along with centre-back Jozo Šimunović, would not be offered a new deal.

The Dublin native leaves Parkhead after helping the Bhoys to win three consecutive Scottish Premiership titles, while the Croatian had completed five in a row.

Speaking to Talksport, Hayes explained how the sands had shifted as the campaign progressed and the Scottish season was cut short.

“I spoke to [manager] Neil Lennon a couple of days before the Rangers game back in December,” Hayes said.

“He was aware I was out of contract in six months and [said] he’d like me to stay.

“As the season went on we had similar conversations. He was quite keen for me to stay and saw me as part of his plans. I had the same conversations with [assistant manager] John Kennedy.

“When it comes down to the decision being made this week, I don’t know if the financial impact the virus has had on Scottish football has contributed to it or not.

“But I wasn’t being phased out, I was still playing regularly, in the team or off the bench, up until this virus struck.

“It’s always hard to think about leaving a club when you’re heavily involved in the team.”

The 32-year-old, who started his professional career at Reading, has been linked with a move to Championship sides Stoke, Preston and Cardiff.