Adamant Jeremie Frimpong insists he never pushed to leave Celtic in January as he prepares for a return to Parkhead with Bayer Leverkusen.
Frimpong was a Hoops hero up until his move to Germany which came in the midst of Celtic’s chaotic attempt at making 10-in-a-row history.
Neil Lennon claimed the right-back had “made it clear” he wanted to leave Parkhead.
But Frimpong insists he never agitated to leave.
The Dutch under-20 cap - a £300,000 buy from Manchester City in September 2019 - earned the Parkhead club a whopping £11million within 16 months when he moved to the Bundesliga giants.
Now the right-back will be back in Scotland as the German giants look to maintain their 100 percent start to Group G with another win against the Hoops, after they saw off Ferencvaros in their opener.
And he has warned he’s determined to silence the fans he adored only months ago.
Frimpong said: “It will be nice to return to a stadium where I have had success but now I return to win not to play for Celtic but to try and win against them.
“We know the atmosphere the fans will create.
“I know that better than anybody - but we just have to focus and play as we know we can.
“I was not looking to leave Celtic, when the chance came to join Leverkusen it was not something I was actively looking to do.
“I was happy with my teammates, happy with the fans.
“The Bundesliga is one of the top three leagues in Europe and when you get that chance it was impossible for me to say no.
“I didn’t know of their interest in me.
“It was a shock - but the chance to play for one of the best clubs in Germany was not something I could turn down.”
Frimpong moved midway through last season but there were already clear signs that their title domination was about to be ended.
Manager Lennon stepped down before the end of the season and Frimpong insisted he was stunned to see the man who took him to Glasgow leave.
He said: “When I heard that Neil Lennon had resigned I was shocked.
“He is a man who has given everything for the club - but if he thought it was time for fresh ideas then I think him stepping down says everything about his character and how he will always put the club first.
“I will always be grateful to him - he gave me a big chance and will always be an important man in my career.”
Celtic are now trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild under Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian led Celtic close to an opening group result before they came out on the wrong end of a seven goal thriller. He believes Postecoglou will get Celtic back on the road to glory.
“There is a new coach now and I am sure that winning trophies will return to Celtic,” Frimpong said.
“Celtic fans became so used to winning trophies now that it has not happened for a season it is unusual for the fans.
“They are a big club and I am sure those days are not far away.”
