‘They Want No Contact’ Former Celtic and Manchester City Man On Brugge Future

Boyata won the FA Cup at Manchester City, and he lifted the SPFL title four times with the Hoops, but he’s marginalised at Brugge and isn’t happy about it. Speaking candidly on his 34th birthday, the former Belgian international described the isolation he faces as he nears the end of a challenging chapter in his career. It’s like I have a hyper-contagious disease, he said.

From Hero to Exile

Boyata’s career in Scotland was marked by triumphs, including multiple league titles with Celtic. But his time at Club Brugge has been starkly different. Excluded from the first team since February, Boyata now trains separately, often in isolation.

Sometimes I train alone, sometimes with Club NXT, and occasionally I’m given a programme to follow at home, away from the training centre, Boyata revealed. I struggle with being cut off from everything and everyone.

His current routine includes being asked to change in a small room used by cleaning staff. I refuse and change in the locker room, he said. They want no contact between me and my teammates, as if I’m carrying a disease.

A Bitter Contract Dispute

Boyata’s troubles were compounded by a failed attempt to part ways last summer. Initially offered 20% of his contract value as compensation, Boyata refused, citing family commitments and the financial loss involved in leaving Belgium.

By September, a better offer of 55-60% compensation was proposed, but with little time left in the transfer window, options were scarce. If they’d made that offer earlier, I’d have accepted, he lamented. Instead, I was forced to choose between staying or sitting at home without facilities until January.

Struggles with Fitness and Form

Injuries and inconsistent playing time have also plagued Boyata’s stint at Club Brugge. I never had the rhythm needed to perform, he explained. Despite occasional appearances, including in European matches, Boyata felt unsupported by the club’s management. They treated my career like a game, he said, describing his frustration with limited opportunities to showcase his abilities.

Despite these setbacks, Boyata expressed gratitude towards individuals who supported him during this difficult period, including Club NXT staff and former coach Carl Hoefkens, who initially believed in him.

Looking to the Future

Now 34, Boyata remains determined to continue playing football. I’m not 25 anymore, but with match rhythm, I can still contribute to a club, he said. He hopes for a fresh start in January or summer, though the scars of his time at Club Brugge will undoubtedly linger.