CELTIC hero Stan Petrov believes there is no way back for Dedrtyck Boyata, as CQN reported on Wednesday.
The former Hoops midfielder believes the Belgian has let everyone down with his no-show in the 2-1 Champions League qualifying defeat against AEK Athens in the Greek capital on Tuesday.
That loss sent the Parkhead men hurtling out of the competition on a 3-2 aggregate defeat and cost something in the region of £40million.
Boyata’s agent is pushing for Brendan Rodgers to sell the player before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The champions have already rejected a £9million bid from Fulham which sparked controversy with his representative accusing the club of breaking promises.
The ex-Bulgarian international, after six years in Glasgow, recalled his transfer from Celtic and how it was done with the minimum of fuss.
Petrov had already informed Martin O’Neill he was eager to be tested in English football.
Gordon Strachan, who had succeeded the Irishman as manager in 2005, told the player he wanted him to remain – and he ended up signing an extension!
Petrov explained: “I wanted to go, but Gordon was brilliant with me because he said: ‘I need you for another six months’.
“So, we had an agreement that I was running my contract down, we decided I’d sign another contract and if I played well the club would get money.
“I would help integrate Shunsuke Nakamura into the side. We also had young Aiden McGeady and Shaun Maloney and Gordon wanted me to help them and show them the way you act as a Celtic player. I agreed with that.
“Was I happy or not happy? It doesn’t matter any more. I had an agreement with that manager, I knew what was coming, I knew what I needed to do and for six months I played some of my best football.
“Gordon was happy and in six months’ time we shook hands and the club got what they deserved and I left for the Premier League which is what I wanted.”
Petrov was snapped up in a £6million deal to move to Aston Villa – signed by his former Hoops gaffer Martin O’Neill!
