Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton insisted that he did not want to leave Glasgow in January.
Nir Bitton has told the Daily Record that he never wanted to leave Celtic, despite rumours suggesting that he could depart Parkhead in January.
Bitton was linked with a move away from the Glasgow club, after struggling to hold down a place in Brendan Rodgers’ first-team this season.
However, the Israeli international insists that he has never had a desire to depart Celtic, even when he wasn’t in the team.
“I’ve never spoken about wanting to leave,” Bitton said. “There’s always rumours about players going and that’s something I’ve had to deal with.
“But after a chat with the gaffer I said I wanted to stay. I want to show him that I deserve to play here. I’m not a guy who says when I’m not playing: ‘OK, I want to leave.’ That’s not me.
“For now I don’t want to go anywhere. If I did I wouldn’t have signed a new contract.
“I’m happy here. I’m playing for one of the greatest clubs in Europe with amazing fans.”
Bitton has gradually started to break back into Celtic’s team over recent weeks, with his form being strong.
The central midfielder has now started in Celtic’s last four matches, and he hit the back of the net against Inverness yesterday.
Bitton could now have a key role to play, as the Bhoys look to secure the Scottish Premiership title in style.
Celtic remain unbeaten in domestic action this season, and their chances of landing the treble appear to be increasing by the game.
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