Joey Barton’s Rangers career is already hanging in the balance.
Joey Barton applauds fans as he is substituted
Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has told The Guardian and the Daily Mail that Celtic wanted to sign him before his move to Ibrox.
Barton, 34, decided to leave Burnley despite helping the Clarets win promotion to the Premier League, and made the surprise move to join Rangers on a two-year deal.
Already though, the controversial midfielder has encountered problems in Glasgow. The former Manchester City and Newcastle United ace has struggled on the pitch in his first eight games for the Gers, slowing the pace of the game down and looking particularly poor against Celtic.
Rangers’ Joey Barton in action with Burnley’s Dean Marney
Off the pitch, Barton has already caused problems. Last week, Barton was involved in a heated row with team-mate Andy Halliday, prompting Rangers to first banish Barton over the weekend, meaning he missed Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Ross County.
On Monday, Barton returned to Rangers, but has now been suspended for three weeks, meaning his long-term future at Ibrox is now in major doubt.
Rangers’ Joey Barton looks dejected
Barton’s suspension has coincided with the release of his new autobiography, and he has remarkably detailed how Rangers’ Old Firm rivals Celtic wanted to sign him just a day before he was due in Glasgow to join Warburton’s men.
As quoted by The Guardian and the Daily Mail, Barton claims that he received a message from Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, via his agent, asking whether Barton was willing to discuss a deal.
Celtic’s Scott Sinclair with Rangers’ Joey Barton after the game
However, Barton states that he told Celtic and Lawwell that he didn’t want to let Rangers down by changing his mind and joining the Bhoys, and wonders how fans will think of him after learning such news.
“The message he conveyed was straight and to the point,” claims Barton. “Is there anything we can do together? Can we have a conversation?” I sent word back, thanking him for his interest but confirming my intentions.”
“I was never going to change my mind and let down Rangers. So I wonder how that will play out when people hear about it,” he added.
Would you have liked to see Barton sign for Celtic?
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