Celtic were unable to hold on to Moussa Dembele despite Brendan Rodgers’ belief that he would stay.The Scottish Premiership side were eager for the 22-year-old to remain at Celtic Park but they eventually succumbed to Lyon’s interest and Dembele’s desire to leave.The Frenchman completed a £19.7 million move to Lyon on Friday and aimed a thinly-veiled dig at his former employer when he met the media on Saturday.“From my side, I was certain I wanted to come to Lyon,” Dembele said at his press conference.“Celtic needed a replacement. Well, at least that was the excuse that they gave.“In the end, they gave in."Dembele attracted attention when he suggested promises had been broken with a tweet on Thursday.

Training ground bust-up

He posted an image that read: “A man, without his word, is nothing. A real man keeps his word.”

Friday’s training session was always going to be awkward after that and according to French newspaper L’Equipe - and brought to our attention by Daily Record - Dembele and Rodgers had a tense exchange.

Rodgers attempted to speak to him but the forward replied: “I don’t speak to you. There is no more trust between us.” Dembele was sent home by the club shortly afterwards.

It seems that Celtic made the right move to sell him. Dembele probably would have caused some problems inside the dressing room at Celtic Park had he stayed.

For the sake of maintaining the harmony in the squad, parting ways with Dembele - and making close to £20m - was the right call.

Celtic begin life without Dembele with an absorbing clash against Rangers on Sunday.

It’s the first time that Rodgers will go head-to-head with Steven Gerrard, who has impressed in his early days as Rangers boss.

The first Old Firm derby of the season promises to be a cracker. Even Dembele might keep an eye on it.