Troy Deeney shares why he rejected offer to join Celtic

Celtic are no strangers to signing veteran players. Joe Hart spent three years as the club's number one. He was replaced this summer by Kasper Schmeichel. These types of players bring a certain experience and leadership with them, and are a valuable presence both on and off the pitch. And it looks like at one point in time, the club were interested in signing Tory Deeney as well.

Deeney had a fantastic career in England, even though he might not have played for a 'top' team. He spent more than a decade at Watford and will forever be remembered for being part of one of the most iconic moments in English football history.

Deeney would end up leaving Watford in 2021. And he ended up joining Birmingham City. But it looks like he had other opportunities available as well, with one of them being from none other than Celtic.

So why did he pick a less lucrative deal to join Birmingham City? Well, as reported by 67 Hail Hail, Deeney said while speaking on Under The Cosh:

"I had an offer to go to Middlesbrough with Neil Warnock, and then Celtic came in for me as well. And I was like, that’s mint, but miles away. Again, now I’m getting to the point of 34, being around the kids.

“Oldest boy, he finishes this year, so he’s at that point where he needs me, becoming a man now. The girls need me. Like, no, I’m not moving.

“So, put it into perspective, those teams I’ve just mentioned offered me nearly 40K a week to go there. Ended up signing up Blues for 12 grand a week. But I was home."

Troy Deeney shares why he rejected offer to join Celtic

So, it looks like money or trophies was not the motivating factor for Deeney at that point in time. Instead, he chose his family and that is a decision that everybody should be able to respect.

Celtic did end up signing two strikers in the 2021 summer transfer window. And both of them proved to be excellent signings for the club.

The first was Kyogo, who turned out to be the face of the Ange Postecoglou era at the club and remains the Hoops' main man up top more than three years later. On the other hand, Giorgos Giakoumakis did not have as long of a spell at Celtic Park but he was impactful in the time that he spent in Glasgow, helping them get to a double.