The defender insists he’s happy at Parkhead – but he’s since lost his automatic starting place to Boyata at Celtic.
Celtic have lost more than enough key players to the vices of the Premier League in recent seasons. Though, according to the Express, centre-back Erik Sviatchenko turned down the opportunity to join Virgil Van Dijk, Victor Wanyama, Joe Ledley and co south of the border.
The Danish international claims that Leicester City had made an approach in January and, while insisting that he harbours dreams of playing in supposedly the most competitive league in Europe, he is more than happy to remain at Parkhead for the time being.
“There was never an issue about me wanting to leave,” Sviatchenko said, as reported by the Express. “I’m 25 and I want to play regularly and here is the perfect place to flourish and find your A game.
“There was concrete interest but not a concrete offer. I said I was happy where I am. It was too early for me.”
Ironically, however, the 25-year-old is no longer an automatic first-choice at the heart of Celtic’s backline. Dedryck Boyata’s rapid and unexpected return to the starting XI after being frozen out for almost the entirety of the season prior to the winter break means Sviatchenko has often alternated with Josip Simunovic of late.
The former Manchester City loanee has been an ever-present since the turn of the year and Sviatchenko, though still a crucial part of the first-team plans, has been slightly upstaged.
However, whether that means he regrets not taking the opportunity to sign for Premier League champions Leicester City is another matter entirely. After all, Sviatchenko could be forgiven for being glad to avoid the events of the last week.
Although, if he is no longer a first pick in Celtic’s defence, perhaps he will give his future more thought at the end of the season.
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