Former Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has revealed that his contract demands were shunned by the club hierarchy prior to his departure to Atlanta United last January. The Greek striker was a fans’ favourite given his strong displays up front, especially in the second half of the season in Ange’s first season.
Speaking to Offside with Taylor Twellman, Giakoumakis wanted new terms after a successful debut season, which saw him sitting joint top scorer in the league.
Give me what I deserve
“I said, ‘Okay, you know what? Now you have to give me what I deserve. I was waiting. And then they said no.”
Giakoumakis revealed that the weather was a big factor in the move away with the Glasgow winter clearly influencing his decision.
I at least need the normal weather
“At the end of the day, I was like ‘do I want to go there again with this weather – maybe even worse than Glasgow?’ One year in Glasgow and I went out with my son in the park one time. That is miserable. I said (to Midtjylland) ‘thank you, but I at least need the normal weather’ – that was the reason.”
In 57 appearances, Giakoumakis scored 26 goals and made 2 assists for Celtic. Given his age profile, Celtic clearly thought that they were not going to pay top wages to a 28-year-old that was second choice behind Kyogo in Ange’s thinking. Ironically, GG probably suits Brendan Rodgers’ style of play more but he is enjoying life after Celtic in the MLS.
