Ryan Christie helped Bournemouth earn promotion to the Premier League after turning down a move to Burnley last summer, the former Celtic star’s father tells the Scottish Sun.
Will Bournemouth and Burnley even be in the same league next season?
That remains to be seen, with Mike Jackson’s Clarets still very much in the midst of a relegation battle despite their best run of form since qualifying for Europe back in 2017/18.
Wherever Burnley find themselves next term – Liverpool or Luton, Manchester City or Millwall – a player who turned down a move to Turf Moor less than 12 months ago is guaranteed be playing Premier League football for the first time in his career.
Why did Ryan Christie choose Bournemouth over Burnley?
“Celtic wanted him to stay, but ultimately, he just felt he needed a new challenge,” explains the Scotland international’s father. “The chance to go to England was too strong to resist.
“I admired his thinking, because he had faith in his ability to go to a totally new environment and be successful.”
Bournemouth took full advantage of Christie’s precarious contract situation north of the border, paying just £2.5 million for a man who would contribute eight goals and three assists to Scott Parker’s promotion push.
Bournemouth promoted to Premier League
“Ryan could have gone straight to the Premier League with Burnley. He spoke to Sean Dyche, someone we’ve both got great admiration for,” Christie Sr adds.
“But then the next day he had talk with Bournemouth boss Scott Parker. And that made up his mind, even though they were down in the Championship.
“Ryan backed himself and I love that. He’s more or less played every game he’s been available for, and the move has worked out brilliantly for him.
“Ryan was full of enthusiasm for the style of football there and their intent on returning to the Premier League. And the south-coast lifestyle was a huge attraction too.”
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There remains a feeling that Bournemouth supporters still haven’t seen the very best of their balletic number ten. Christie, after all, scored 20 goals for Celtic as recently as the 2019/20 season.
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