Some fans failed to appreciate it at the time, but Carl Starfelt’s Celtic departure last summer was a key loss.
The Swedish defender, though, wanted out and eventually joined La Liga side Celta Vigo for five million euros (Transfermarkt) in August.
Starfelt’s time in Spain started well but towards the end of the 2023/24 season, he fell down the pecking order.
This, coupled with manager Rafa Benitez’s departure from Celta and the club being threatened by relegation, might have had the 29-year-old regretting his move.
The defender, however, has recently made a defiant claim about his place in the team under new gaffer Claudio Giraldez.
“I was benched for three games near the end of the season”, he said (Fotbollskanalen via RecordSport).
“I think I showed in training that I was going to play. I didn’t give up or hang up. Then I got the chance and did well. I don’t give up.”
Reports last month linked Starfelt with a stunning return to Celtic this summer, but wages were said to be a major stumbling block.
While he would be a prosperous addition to Brendan Rodgers’ squad, going by the 29-year-old’s comments, he wants to fight for his place in Vigo.
Indeed, he still has four years left on his contract with the La Liga side and will be looking to get back into the team ahead of the new season.
