Former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko could have signed for Leicester City. The Denmark international has revealed he was close to signing in January 2017.
The current Midtjylland player of the season was playing at his best with The Bhoys at the time.
However, a late persuasion by the Hoops was enough to keep Sviatchenko at Parkhead.
Erik Sviatchenko reveals surprise Leicester bid
Celtic were flying high going into January 2017 and Sviatchenko was a massive part of it.
The Hoops were halfway through their famous domestic unbeaten run which will forever be remembered.
However, Sviatchenko sees that month differently in particular.
He told Four Tims and a Podcast that a move to Leicester was on the cards for him.
Sviatchenko said: “I was close to signing for Leicester in January 2017 but the move didn’t happen.
“I was told I was an important member but I was okay. After that I wasn’t in the team and I didn’t really know why but I wasn’t injured in the six months that followed.”
The Danish international told fans it wasn’t until Boyata’s injury that summer that he returned to first team action but was injured after 25 minutes.
He also reveals that there are no regrets about his move away from Paradise.
Sviatchenko opens up on Celtic exit
The 27-year-old says waiting to play was the biggest factor in him leaving Celtic.
He added: “It was tough to leave but I have to clarify I’m a professional football player and even though I love the club and to stay but I was 26 and want to play regularly so I had to make a decision on a football aspect. Maybe I would have played if I stayed but that’s only a guess.”
Sviatchenko joined his boyhood club Midtjylland and achieved second place and a league cup last season.
Furthermore, he won the player of the year award for his contributions.
He told the podcast that he will be returning to Glasgow in September and staying with former Celtic teammate Stuart Armstrong.
Celtic clearly remains at the heart of the Dane and it appears it will never leave him.
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