Aaron Hickey is ‘convinced’ that he made the right call turning down Celtic and Bayern Munich for a move to Bologna, as he told Gazzetta Dello Sport.
It is hard to argue with that assessment.
After all, both Celtic and Bayern don’t exactly feel like ideal destinations right now for a talented, Glasgow-born teenager – albeit for very different reasons.
There is trouble in Paradise right now. A toxic atmosphere hangs above Celtic Park with Thursday’s 4-2 defeat to AC Milan meaning Neil Lennon’s side have won two of their last 11 games in all competitions.
In the space of a week, Celtic have bombed out of both the Europa League and the Scottish League Cup, while choking on Rangers’ dust in the Premiership title race.
In contrast, treble-winners Bayern Munich are, as ever, sitting pretty at the top of the Bundesliga.
But with Alphonso Davies, Lucas Hernandez and David Alaba at Hansi Flick’s disposal, three of the best left-backs in the world are already plying their trade at the Allianz Arena.
It is difficult to imagine 18-year-old Hickey becoming a bonafide A-lister at FC Hollywood, even if doubts persist about Alaba’s long-term future.
“Bayern are a great club but Bologna are massive. I’m sure I chose a big club. The thing that most convinced me is the family atmosphere that I felt immediately,” Hickey said, before confirming interest from Celtic.
“I had a very good feeling. Manchester City didn’t want to sign me, Celtic did.”
“Playing in Serie A is like landing on the moon, it’s amazing. The best league in the world. A game lasts 97 minutes and you always need to remain focused with many tactical duties. Mihajlovic trusts me, he gives me advices on how to defend and attack, without fear.”
Hickey was actually released by Celtic before he joined Hearts of Midlothian on a free transfer in 2018, moving on to Bologna in a deal worth £1.5 million two years later.
So far, the Scot has started seven Serie A matches for Sinisa Mihajlovic.
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