Montreal Impact midfielder Victor Wanyama has revealed just how close he was to returning to Celtic – only for Tottenham to block the move.
The Kenyan spent two seasons at Celtic Park before a big money move to Southampton, and was heavily linked with a return in January after he fell out of favour at Tottenham.
Manager Neil Lennon admitted he would be keen to bring the 28-year-old back, but the transfer window closed before a deal could be done.
The midfielder moved to MLS instead, but he has confirmed he was keen to return to Glasgow.
Wanyama told Madgoat TV: "It was sad the way they were treating me. I had given my all to the club. I loved the club and had a good relationship with the fans and the players so I wanted to leave the club to at least enjoy football again.
"They started to delay a lot of things, even Celtic among many other teams wanted to sign me but the club was taking me on rounds until the deals collapse, and the transfer windows close.
"I spoke with my agent and he told me the MLS transfer window was still open and there were teams that are interested in my services. I can go there and at least get my passion for the game back on track and you never know one day I might move somewhere else."
Wanyama rejected a move to CSKA Moscow to join Celtic in 2011, and he has no regrets about turning down a huge salary.
He said: "At Celtic, I felt happier as this was a world stage for me. It is morale that we had at Celtic and the coach gave us inspiration every now and then which was really good for me and the team.
"It is not that we had superstars but the spirit and inspiration worked for us marvellously and given the fact we were talented we just enjoyed our moments on the pitch.
"The atmosphere at Celtic Park is always something else and the fans are marvellous I have never seen such fans who love their team like Celtic."
