Why David Strelec snubbed Celtic to join Middlesbrough | OneFootball

David Strelec has opened up on why he made the switch to Middlesbrough last summer

David Strelec has opened up on why he made the decision to sign for Middlesbrough instead of Celtic.

The forward first emerged as an option for both clubs last January, but it wasn’t until the summer that he signed for the Championship side from Slovan Bratislava.

It was reported that Strelec signed for the Teesside outfit after an agreement worth £6.5 million, plus £2 million in add-ons, was agreed between the two sides.

The striker’s father claimed during the summer that Celtic were also interested in a deal for the player, but he ultimately moved to the Riverside on deadline day.

It was revealed upon his arrival that a number of clubs were interested in signing the 24-year-old, who has cemented himself as a key part of Rob Edwards’ first team plans at Middlesbrough in the weeks since the transfer was finalised.

David Strelec reveals key reason he signed for Middlesbrough

Strelec has admitted that Celtic were a more realistic option for him in the January window, and that it was Mexican side Monterrey that made the firmest alternative proposal during the summer.

However, the forward’s claimed that his preference was always to remain in Europe and that it wasn’t an easy decision to turn down the possibility of signing for Celtic in order to move to Middlesbrough.

“Celtic was a more realistic option in the winter, whereas this summer, it was basically not an option at all,” said Strelec, via the PRESSko podcast on YouTube.

“What surprised me was their media put it out, though my father probably didn’t help with his words!

“There were only two serious options this summer, Monterrey in Mexico and Middlesbrough.

“I had a call with Monterrey, but I was much more inclined to Middlesbrough.

“I wanted to stay in European football.

“Celtic were there in the winter but it all got complicated around an agent they were using that wasn’t my agent.

“It all got complicated.

“Of course, Celtic is a big club.

“It wasn’t an easy decision.”

Strelec also cited Middlesbrough’s strong desire to sign him as a major factor in his decision to join the club, suggesting a summer move worked out well for all parties in the end: “But I’d also spoken with Middlesbrough in the winter - I spoke with their scout and sporting director - and I could feel that they really wanted me.

“I just felt if I could get a transfer here it would be a really good move.

“I was definitely frustrated and disappointed that a move didn’t come then, frustrated with how negotiations went.

“But it probably helped that I knew where I’d be going and that it offered the chance for me to finish the full year with Slovan.”

Strelec has made five appearances in the Championship since confirming his move to Middlesbrough, including three starts.

He scored in his second game for the Teesside outfit, finding the back of the net in a 2-1 win over West Brom at the Riverside.

Next up for Edwards’ side is a home clash against Ipswich Town on 17 October in an 8pm kick-off.

David Strelec signing looks positive for Middlesbrough

Strelec scoring in his first start for the club made a strong first impression on supporters, and is exactly what he’d have been hoping for with the move.

It will still take him some time to fully adapt to English football, but his prominence in Edwards’ side shows how much faith they have in him.

He brings some creativity to the forward line, and looks a very positive addition on the basis of his first impression through these last few weeks.