Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has completed his £9.5m switch from Celtic to Spartak Moscow and agreed a four-and-half-year contract with the Russian club.
The 24-year-old Ireland midfielder is the most expensive ever export from Scottish football.
"It's what he wanted to do and sometimes you can't stand in the way of that," said Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
"It's a huge offer and I think it's the right offer. It's good business for Spartak and good business for us."
McGeady's departure will provide Lennon with funds to bolster his squad and may see Celtic revive their interest in McGeady's fellow Ireland international, Stoke winger Liam Lawrence.
Speaking on Thursday, the manager expressed sadness at losing such a talented player.
"I'm sorry to lose him, he is one of the entertainers in the game," said Lennon.
"We'll probably miss out on his peak years but he came to us and said that he felt at the end of the season it would be better for him to move on.
"It's difficult to stand in the way of someone who doesn't want to be here."
"I'm sure it's going to be a big hole. But it's up to someone to step up to the plate and fill it.
Spartak, managed by former Russian World Cup star Valery Karpin, lie in eighth position in the Russian Premier League, having won only five of their 15 matches.
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