Celtic misfit Boli Bolingoli has opened up on his infamous Covid breach in 2020 and the subsequent Parkhead ostracisation it prompted.

Bolingoli, now at Belgian side Mechelen, went on a trip to Spain during the summer of 2020 and did not quarantine upon his return or inform the club.

He went on to feature in Celtic's next game - against Kilmarnock - before the breach was uncovered.

It led to widespread criticism - including from then Parkhead boss Neil Lennon - while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at one point threatened to shut down Scottish football after the incident.

Bolingoli was essentially frozen out of the picture at Celtic thereafter although current boss Ange Postecoglou gave him two appearances last season amid injury problems.

Now the 27-year-old has explained his side of the story over what he says was "a mistake" and claims he has "no complaints" about the way his career has gone since.

Bolingoli said: "I received criticism from Neil Lennon and also from Nicola Sturgeon for what happened. That was a mistake, just as everyone can make mistakes. Celtic eventually turned the page on that chapter and so have I. I wanted to improve further in Scotland. I played a strong first season at Celtic and we won the league.

"But in football, there are highs and lows. I suffered a knee injury that delayed my development a bit and then came the incident. After that, I was supposed to go to FC Ufa. I had just signed the deal but had not actually been to the club because we were on a training camp in Turkey.

"Then I heard about the situation in Russia and Ukraine and there was no point going to Russia after that. There were only a few months left of the season at Celtic and they couldn't register me anyway. So I returned to Belgium because I thought I would be better to train there and stay closer to my family.

"My priority was a transfer to a club where I could play. Whether it was in Belgium or elsewhere, it didn't matter. Coming to Mechelen was purely because it was the best sporting choice for me. I wanted to play more matches again.

"I wasn't fit enough when I came to Mechelen but for now it's going well. I feel better. I have more and more confidence on the pitch. I am very happy to be here. I can't complain about my career. Every career step I have taken has brought me great memories.”