Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke has revealed Celtic did block him from leaving in January, despite his desire to do so.
The defender has been speaking to Aftonbladet about life at Celtic, his current situation in Brendan Rodgers’ side and his plan for the future after a ‘hectic’ end to the January transfer window.
Lagerbielke had looked set to leave Celtic for Italy throughout the January transfer window, when it was made clear that several sides in Serie A were looking into a potential deal for him.
In the end it was Lecce who pushed hardest for him, trying to get a deal done with Celtic all the way up to deadline day, with reports in Italy confident that it could be completed.
That, though, did not happen as Celtic elected to block the move entirely and keep the defender until the end of the season at least.
That led to some confusion given Lagerbielke has barely featured for Brendan Rodgers side this season and has continued to be left out of the picture since his potential departure was blocked.
“I enjoy Glasgow as a city very much and Celtic is a big club, which shows. Above all when it comes to the audience, the arena and everything around. I really have great opportunities to develop here,” he said.
“I have good teammates and feel that I have their trust. And it’s been a learning time here where I feel like I’ve developed. The only thing missing is playing time.
“Right now I feel like I’m really in the shape of my life. I am significantly stronger and faster than ever and also mentally, for a long time, I have worked up a stable foundation that provides security. Then of course it’s frustrating that I don’t get to show it every week because I know I have delivered.
“There were many clubs that were interested (in January), but then there was an injury situation in the club which meant that nothing came of it. Yes, it was (Celtic who cancelled). It was cancelled because we got an injury.
“Right now, the focus is on training as well as possible and continuing to show that I will play. We can still win the double as we fight with Rangers for the league title and stay in the cup as well.
“So, there are two titles to play for. I want to play and will do everything in my power to help the team. At the same time, I know that I can play in the best leagues, so it is a situation we will review after the season.”
