Chelsea striker, Olivier Giroud, has revealed that he had the option to sign for Celtic back in 2010. It was during that time that he left Ligue 2 side, Tours, and the Parkhead club were in for him. However, the Frenchman joined Montpellier in France’s top flight instead. The world cup winner explained why, in an interview with the Daily Record.

“I had contact with Celtic in 2010. I could have played at one of the most magnificent atmospheres in the world at Celtic Park. It would also have given me a springboard towards the English Premier League, Middlesbrough, in the Championship, were also interested.”

The Frenchman decided against the move to Glasgow, citing these three reasons.

“I wanted to play in Ligue 1 before leaving France. I had never played a Ligue 1 match before signing for Montpellier. Secondly, my agents advised me to sign for Montpellier even though they would have made more money if I had signed for Celtic. Money has been important in my career, I am not playing football for glory, but it has never been my main aim and that’s also why I preferred to move to Montpellier.

And thirdly, Montpellier’s late owner, Louis Nicollin, convinced me not to go to Scotland and so I signed for him instead.”