Ramon Vega claims he wanted Celtic to sign him for life

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Former Celtic defender Ramon Vega has shared in a new interview that he wanted to spend his entire career in Glasgow, The Herald report.

Vega joined Martin O’Neill’s squad on loan from Tottenham Hotspur during the 2000/01 season, making 26 appearances in a season we won a domestic treble, starting in both the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup finals.

Ultimately he would end up leaving both Celtic and Spurs, joining English side Watford in the following season.

However, it seems if he’d had it his way he’d have become a career Bhoy, refuting any suggestion that a move didn’t work out because he was looking for too much cash.

As quoted by The Herald, Vega said: “Celtic were some of the best times I ever had. It was intense but it was also very successful at the same time. What else can you ask for other than a treble in the one season I was there.

“It was a real shame I couldn’t stay longer because I had the best experience. The supporters were absolutely magnificent, you don’t forget something like that. I wanted to stay longer but there was no official offer for me to stay there. So what can you do as a player?

“There had been suggestions that I didn’t stay because of money but that wasn’t the case. I wanted the club to sign me for life! But it was not mutual, I’m not entirely sure why. I had the best time of my career at Celtic and won medals there, they’ll be in my heart all the time.

“I’d be cleaning the boots just to be there and feel the atmosphere! It was an honour to play for Celtic.”

Vega was turning 30 years old by the time his loan spell at Celtic Park came to an end which may have had an impact on any not to offer him the contract he wanted.

At the time, it was reported by the BBC that the Hoops had offered him a one-year deal which was rejected by the player and his agent.

Clearly, the former Swiss international was looking for more of a commitment.

Ultimately the player would end up retiring in 2003, so the Hoops were probably right not push the boat out and commit to a longer contract.

It sounds like he recalls that season fondly, as do most of us.

Once someone plays for Celtic, they don’t forget it.