Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Chris Doyle

Olivier Giroud on his Celtic transfer miss as Chelsea striker reveals the three reasons why he turned down Hoops

Olivier Giroud has revealed the three reasons why his move to Celtic fell through in 2010.

The Frenchman insists he was on the verge of joining the Hoops when leaving Ligue 2 side Tours, but opted to stay in his homeland with Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier.

The World Cup winner said the allure of joining Celtic was tough to turn down, but his decision came down to three factors.

The Chelsea striker told the Daily Record: "Yes, I had contact with Celtic in 2010. I could have played at one of the most magnificent atmospheres in the world at Celtic Park.

"It would also have given me a springboard towards the English Premier League. Middlesbrough, in the Championship, were also interested.

"But I chose to sign for Montpellier for three reasons.

For more Celtic news join our new group Celtic Live - News, transfer rumours and chat from Celtic Park

"I wanted to play in Ligue 1 before leaving France. I had never played a Ligue 1 match before signing for Montpellier.

"Secondly, my agents advised me to sign for Montpellier even though they would have made more money if I had signed for Celtic.

"Money has been important in my career, I am not playing football for glory, but it has never been my main aim and that's also why I preferred to move to Montpellier.

"And thirdly, Montpellier's late owner, Louis Nicollin, convinced me not to go to Scotland and so I signed for him instead."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.