Middlesbrough playmaker Riley McGree has admitted that he spoke to Ange Postecoglou about joining Celtic – but thinks he made the right decision.
In January, the Daily Mail reported that Celtic were closing in on a deal to sign McGree from MLS side Charlotte FC.
After shining on loan at Birmingham City in the Championship, it looked like McGree was heading to Celtic.
Celtic boss Postecoglou knew of McGree from his time in Australia and fancied working with him at Parkhead.
The deal seemed to be very close, but Middlesbrough hijacked the deal and brought McGree to the Riverside Stadium for $4million (£3million).
Now back in the Championship and looking to shine under Chris Wilder, McGree’s move was seen as a little surprising.
Celtic can offer title challenges, European football and the chance to work under McGree’s compatriot Postecoglou.
Celtic wasted little time in finding an alternative as Matt O’Riley signed from MK Dons and has made a fine start to life at Parkhead.
Currently on international duty with Australia, McGree has now commented on his decision to snub Celtic and go to Middlesbrough.
McGree has told The Age that he loves Wilder’s style of play and was convinced into signing for Boro after speaking to the former Sheffield United boss.
McGree hailed Boro as a big club with big ambitions, and they can help him fulfil his ultimate goal of playing in the Premier League.
Postecoglou wasn’t impressed when McGree swerved Celtic for Middlesbrough, suggesting that the decision showed McGree wasn’t right for Celtic.
McGree admitted that he did have talks with Postecoglou, but he ‘strongly’ believes Middlesbrough were the right choice.
“From what I’ve seen in the past and what I’ve heard from speaking to him, and from what I’ve seen whilst being there, it’s definitely a brand of football I want to be involved in and can see myself being involved with going forward,” said McGree.
“It’s a big club, big ambitions, the set-up there is second-to-none and with the past few months, Chris Wilder coming in and the direction in which the club wants to go, they’re in a good position in terms of play-offs at the moment. Playing in the Premier League is obviously the end goal for the club and for me, it would be a dream. All these things tied into one was the reason I chose to go Middlesbrough.”
“Me and Ange did have a conversation. But as I said before, and the reasons why I gave before – that’s why I made the choice to go to Middlesbrough. At the end of the day, it’s my career, and I strongly believe I did what’s best for me,” he added.
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