Major boost for Celtic as 25-year-old rules out Premier League switch following January interest
By Danny Wright
Erik Sviatchenko has revealed that he is happy to stay at Celtic, despite interest from a host of Premier League clubs in January.
The 25-year-old arrived at Celtic in January 2016 and was reportedly eyed-up by Swansea, Southampton and title-holders Leicester.
Sviatchenko admitted that he was flattered by the interest showed in him but said he has no desire to leave the club thanks to Brendan Rodgers’ influence on the team.
“It’s part of being a footballer that when you are doing well, it attracts interest,” the defender said to the Scottish Sun. “Sometimes it’s more than interest – but it takes two to tango.
“I was honoured that I was mentioned with this major league – it confirms to me I am playing for a good team who are doing well.
“But I’m happy where I am… I’ve only been here a year and feel that I’m developing really well here.
“A lot of my pleasure at playing for Celtic comes from our manager. He is developing an incredibly exciting and aggressive style of play. We have been able to hold onto our best players and it’s just great to be a part of.”
The former Midtyjlland player has been a crucial part to Celtic’s impressive form this season making 19 league appearances for the club who are currently on a 19-game winning streak. He also helped win last season’s league title when he made 14 appearances after arriving at Celtic Park in the January transfer window.
Rodgers’ men are also unbeaten in 29 domestic games as they look to have already secured the league title for a sixth consecutive season as they currently have a 27 point leader over Aberdeen – who are currently closer to the relegation zone.
Sviatchenko will be hoping to help his side extend their domestic unbeaten run to 30 on Saturday when they face Inverness CT in the Scottish Cup fifth round. His next chance to help them in the league comes against Motherwell at Celtic Park a week later.
Football Insider verdict:
Sviatchenko is one of a number of promising players who hails from Danish club FC Midtyjlland. The commanding centre-back would have been a good signing for both Leicester and Swansea who need extra strengthening at the back. A move to Southampton would have perhaps only materialised if Virgil Van Dijk, once of Celtic, secured a move away from St. Mary’s.
This statement is certainly wise of Sviatchenko, as it gives the fans and the club’s hierarchy a lot of confidence in keeping hold of him into next season. However if his good performances continue, Celtic will probably find themselves receiving a flurry of bids for their centre-back in the summer.
In other Celtic news, club confirm loan deal for exciting young player.
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