NORWEGIAN international midfielder Patrick Berg has revealed he rejected a move to Celtic in the summer.
The 24-year-old anchorman knocked back the opportunity to join the Ange Postecoglou Parkhead revolution following a successful season as captain at Bodo/Glimt where he won a title and picked up the Player of the Year award.
That attracted the Hoops talent-seekers and, ironically, Berg could have been lining up against his old team-mates when they take on Celtic in the Europa Conference League next month if he had agreed to the switch to Glasgow.
However, the stylish middle-of-the-park nine times-capped performer said no to the Hoops and Dutch giants Ajax to agree a £3.6million move to Ligue 1 side Lens on New Year’s Day.
ONE THAT GOT AWAY…Patrick Berg puts in a challenge in a match against AC Milan.
Berg admitted: “Yes, Celtic and Ajax were both interested in me.
“I had a good season with my club where we won the league and I was voted Player of the Year. But I felt Lens were the best option for me.
“When I heard of their interest, I made it clear they were the only club I wanted to move to.
“I felt ready to take the next step and I believed French football and Lens would suit my style very well. I feel very welcome here.”
Berg, in a report in the Daily Record, added: “Since I arrived, it has felt like the perfect choice for me.
“I now hope to contribute to the victories of the team and to the development of the club.
“There are good young players at the club and I think this club has a bright future.”
