Cristian Gamboa

I am sure I have heard that if a player refused to sign a contract extension, Stein would put him in the reserves for the rest of his time at the club.

It might be harsh, but I guess it is a way to ensure total commitment to the cause.

I doubt the story here is as simplistic as Rodgers holding a grudge because Gamboa opted to play in the Gold Cup over the Champions League, but I can understand why Rodgers would be angry with that.

 

He has wasted two years of his career here, so I doubt he is ever going to be as happy or as committed as he could have been, even if he were to secure a starting spot now. I think it is best for everyone that he moves on in the summer.

 

Really like Gamboa I also think he has a great attitude with the fans and staff at the club.
Always has time for the mascots and wee Jay and the likes...on the football side of things I also think he's not had a chance of a decent run in the team.
''Tis a strange one considering Lustigs form.

 

Celtic defender Cristian Gamboa has revealed that a Spanish personal trainer is fuelling his ambitions to be fight for this summer’s World Cup.

The Costa Rican internationalist was part of the side who beat Scotland at Hampden last week but the 28-year-old knows that he must prove his fitness ahead of his country’s trip to Russia in June.

Gamboa has made just three first-team appearances for Celtic this season. As such, he has embarked on his own training regime following his daily drills at Lennoxtown as he looks to get into optimum condition ahead of the prestigious tournament.


“I have brought a personal trainer over from Spain to help me,” he explained.

“I need to think about myself now.

“I have been doing a lot of extra in the gym because I know that situation at Celtic.

“It is difficult for me because they are winning every weekend.

“I have been working with this guy for the last two weeks and I will keep working with him until the end of the season.

“The quality of the training at Celtic every day is very good but you still need extra and you need to find this by yourself.

“You cannot fix your roof when it is raining!

“Right now I’m in a difficult situation as I’m not playing.

“If I try to go to another place it would be hard because my next step, where is it going to be?

“For now I just want to concentrate on getting to the World Cup and then see what happens.”Gamboa’s experience may be what sets him apart as he looked to maintain his place in the squad but he is reluctant to take anything for granted, particularly since game time has been so hard to come back in Glasgow this season.

The defender was part of the Costa Rican side who made it to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup so he has the advantage of being able to say that he has been there and done it.

“It is a difficult situation and it is not ideal,” he said. “But, I just have to make sure I am fit and I am ready for the World Cup. The good thing is that I know Costa Rica trust me a lot.

“I have played 70 odd games for them and the manager knows I have experience of playing in a World Cup.

“I can only take what Celtic give me and hopefully be ready. The World Cup is a massive thing for me and that’s why I’m doing all that I can. I cannot demand to play in every game as that is not my decision.

“That’s why I have being doing extra sessions after training.”

Gamboa was signed by Brendan Rodgers in August 2016 on a three year deal but it is inevitable that he will seek to go elsewhere this summer as he looks for first-team football.

However, he has maintained that he has no beef with Rodgers since there can be little to quibble about given the way that Celtic have dominated the domestic landscape in recent seasons.

“I have spoken to the manager and he understands the situation,” he said. “I also understand his situation.

“He has Mikael Lustig and know Jack Hendry, who can also play right back. I need to take care of myself. If they need my then I have to be ready. I’m just waiting.

“Celtic is a big club and sometimes you have to accept these decisions. I can’t say it is good or it is wrong. For me I just have to think about myself.”

Gamboa could be in the unique position of being part of a team who makes Scottish football history this season if Celtic do succeed in going on to win back-to-back Trebles. On paper it would be a decent boast to be part of such an achievement but it is hides the frustration that inevitably lingers over the lack of game time.

“My aim is just to finish the season well with Celtic,” said the defender. “It would be nice to finish with another Treble. A double Treble would be good.

“I’m happy to be part of a great club like Celtic. Celtic give you the opportunity to win trophies.

“You cannot complain too much about not playing as they are always winning. I need to support the players that are playing. I suppose if I could win three medals and play in Russia it would still be a good season.”

In any case, there will be something for Gamboa to smile about when Celtic reconvene at Lennoxtown later this week following their win over Scotland.

“I was joking with all the Scotland boys before the game so it will be nice going back to Lennoxtown having won,” he smiled. “I think Scotland did well certainly in the second and it was good preparation for us for the World Cup.”

 

Still want him to get a run of starts, if we're playing 4 at the back especially.

 

I usually can't stand unfounded rumours of a rift between a player and a manager, but I don't understand why Gamboa hasn't been given a chance, especially with Lustig and Ralston having been unavailable in recent weeks.

 

I feel sorry for him. He reminds me of Efe; he has never bad-mouthed Celtic or angled for a move away in the media, despite his lack of game time.

Here’s hoping he has a great World Cup campaign with Costa Rica and finds himself a club.

 

It's baffling. He's not a world beater but he's always played well when given a chance in the league.

 

Meh..

He isn't good enough to be our number 1 anyway. Need a top quality full back signed this summer..

 

Give him a run of games, he's not really had that since signing

 

He's only played 30 game's in 1 season for 1 club in his 10 year's, and that was 5 year ago..

 

Just listening to this weeks TMT.

Anyone know if this rumour about having to make an additional payment to WBA after 25 league appearances is legit? Would explain a lot

 

Punt him as he is drawing a good salary for nothing .
Too much deadwood at this club , time to get rid of the deadwood to free up wages for players that can improve the team .

 

Gamboa appreciation post

 

His bird though ​

 

He’s holding his son by the testis No wonder his son looks uncomfortable

 

What if he wins the CL for us next season? He hasn’t been a waste - at this point.

 

Maybe he's just pish?

 

He’s played enough games to show he’s far from pish, domestically at least.

There’s just no way Hendry is a better right back than him.