Carl Starfelt gives glowing Celtic review to Swedish media; addresses English Premier League rumour

By John McGinley

March 21, 2023

Celtic defender Carl Starfelt has told Swedish media that he is enjoying life in Glasgow and insisted he is not thinking of a move down south.

Starfelt is in his homeland for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan, having shaken off an injury concern in the wake of last week’s win over Hearts at Tynecastle. He came through a 90-minute stint against Hibernian at the weekend without a problem.

Asked by Fotbollskanalen what he has developed in his game since joining and about his experiences of Celtic, the centre-back said: “A lot of stuff I would say, but a lot with the ball. We dominate in matches and get a lot of the ball. Defending high, and having a lot of play as well, I have had to develop many, many areas. It’s a big club where you are expected to win so you really have to push yourself to develop all the time.

“It’s fantastic. Of course, it is something special to win great titles and it is something you really strive for as a football player. To be able to be at a club where it is expected of you and where it means so much to so many people is also incredible and a great feeling.”

Carl Starfelt addresses English Premier League question

Starfelt was also asked about whether the English Premier League is on his horizon as a player. Recently, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that he was being looked at as a summer option by multiple teams across the border. The defender was adamant he is focused on the Bhoys at the moment.

The defender said: “No, I like it very much as it is right now. My agent will take care of the rest and then if something comes up, we’ll deal with it then. But I have no thoughts right now except for Celtic.”

The prospect of winning more caps during this break was also a topic in his interview and the 27-year-old is ready to work hard for an opportunity, stating: “You have to try. I try to show in training that I can play. Everyone who is here, of course, we want to play and will fight hard to get into the team. It is positive that people see that there is a chance. Then you have to take that chance and see what happens. It’s the manager who selects the team, so it’s entirely up to him.”

Starfelt has been part of an incredibly consistent defensive backline with Cameron Carter-Vickers and it’d be great to see that form recognised with minutes for Sweden. It’d also be a sign that he can perform in the Scottish Premiership and progress with his country – with some questioning the quality of the league in that regard recently.

No player’s future is certain. However, it’s obvious that this one is enjoying his time in Glasgow. It’d take a lot of effort for a team to convince him to make a switch elsewhere, which is exactly how we like it.

In other news, Sead Haksabanovic makes it clear he’s loving Celtic spell despite limited starts.