Former Bodo/Glimt and highly-rated central midfielder Patrick Berg has revealed he turned down a move to Parkhead to join French Ligue 1 side Lens.
The 23-year old could have been lining up at Celtic Park in the UEFA Conference League, as his former side Bodo/Glimt get set to travel to Glasgow for the knockout tie in the competition.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Berg could have also been lining up against his old team if Celtic had got their way, with the Norweigan revealing he had offers from the Hoops and also sides such as Ajax but instead chose to head to France.
“Yes, Celtic and Ajax were both interested in me.
“I had a good season with my club where we won the league, and I was voted Player of the Year. But I felt Lens were the best option for me.
“When I heard of their interest, I made it clear they were the only club I wanted to move to.
“I felt ready to take the next step, and I believed French football and Lens would suit my style very well. I feel very welcome here.
“Since I arrived, it has felt like the perfect choice for me. I now hope to contribute to the victories of the team and to the development of the club.
“There are good young players at the club, and I think this club has a bright future.”
It would have been a brilliant coup from the club to pick up Berg from the Norwegian side after such an impressive spell in his homeland. Ultimately, it just wasn’t to be in the end.
On the positive side, Ange Postecoglou’s side won’t be coming up against the midfielder and several of his ex-teammates, with Bodo/Glimt selling some of their best assets in this window.
