The Hoops ace’s comments come after Norway boss Lars Lagerback suggested he would develop more quickly as a player at a “higher level”.
Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has stressed that he is happy at the Scottish Premiership club and is looking forward to next season amid comments made by his international manager on the subject of whether he would develop more quickly as a player at a “higher level” (Herald Scotland).
The 21-year-old joined the Hoops in July 2016 during Ronny Deila’s tenure and initially made a slow start to life at Parkhead but has since developed into an outstanding player, making 45 appearances in all competitions this term (Transfermarkt).
Ajer, who played a significant role in Celtic securing a third consecutive treble of domestic trophies, is in the Norway squad for their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Romania and the Faroe Islands in the coming days.
National team coach Lars Lagerback has claimed that the 21-year-old, who is preparing with his country for their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Romania and the Faroe Islands, could progress in a shorter amount of time if he left the Scottish Premiership for a “harder” league.
“I don’t think the Scottish league inhibits his development, but it’s fair to say if he became a regular starter at a higher level, it would probably speed it up,” he is quoted by Herald Scotland as saying. “The harder the level you are at, the more you have to be on your toes.”
The same outlet quotes Ajer as saying: “I have a three-year deal at Celtic and I am one of the world’s biggest clubs. I love to play there. That’s the only thing I am focusing on.
“It’s a really exciting time. Neil Lennon has come in and done a very good job. We won the Treble. It’s fantastic to be in Glasgow. I am looking forward to next season. The past six months have undoubtedly been the best in my career. I have played all the matches and performed well with the rest of the team. It’s been really good.”
Ajer is contracted to Celtic until the summer of 2022 according to Transfermarkt.
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