Marcelo Saracchi has opened up on his failed Celtic return and insists his story at the Hoops is not finished.
The defender became a popular figure among supporters during an impressive loan spell from Boca Juniors last season, with Martin O’Neill publicly making clear his desire to keep him in Glasgow.
However, Celtic never managed to agree a permanent deal and Saracchi has since completed a move to MLS side Houston Dynamo.
Now, in his first lengthy interview about Celtic since leaving, the Uruguayan has revealed his frustration at how negotiations unfolded.
Saracchi told the Daily Record: “It seemed like Martin was really interested and keen on keeping me. I explained the situation to them that I wanted to give respect and time to the people in Houston as well.
“But it did feel like the negotiations were going long. I did explain my situation and I know Martin was really interested in bringing me back.
“I feel like going to a team where they want you, not going to a team where they don’t want you. I felt like there wasn’t much interest, or maybe they just didn’t count on me being an important player.
“I definitely don’t want to be on a team that doesn’t want me. It was more me and my agent calling them because I wanted to come back and be a Celtic player. It wasn’t much of them reaching out to us and giving me an offer.
“I tried everything possible to go back. It felt like there wasn’t much intention from their end. They didn’t give any offer. But I wish them the best and I always try to keep track on how they are doing.”
Despite the disappointment, Saracchi has refused to close the door on another spell at Celtic and believes he could yet return to Parkhead later in his career.
On whether he can see himself playing for Celtic again, Saracchi said: “I think yes. Honestly, the story with me and Celtic isn’t finished yet. I would like to go back. But like I said, it’s just on their end to see their interest and their intention in wanting me there.
“But things could change. There are always solutions, so I think yes. I wish them the best. It’s a club that will keep fighting, keep going. It’s a huge fanbase, a huge club. I wish them the best and hopefully in the future we’re able to reconnect again.”
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2 Comments
I got no idea as to why we didn’t pursue Saracchi, that much during the summer?
But in general, MoN didn’t really address our defensive set up really imo?
Which is understandable, with him not looking at being in the managerial role, for the longer term either imo?
Also potentially didn’t want to close the door upon a 3CB defensive options, for this season either?
As any new manager, would want to set up his own defensive set up?
That option remains open, especially with next season in mind?
So can understand, as to why we weren’t prepared to offer a longer term contract upon Saracchi?
Especially as it’s not totally clear, even now, if a back 3 or 4 is going to be in position for this season now? So can forget about next season for the time being.
Any contracts offered upon potential incoming players, has to have the longer term plans in mind also?
Hence no real commitment made in setting up our defensive set up, during the summer period?
But that was the position MoN found himself in, which was always a difficult position to be in, especially without longer term plans in operation, for a defensive set up imo?
Once again , absolute madness from the Celtic Board —Sarachi showed , in the times he was called upon , that he was revelation as a , left -sided defender . Much better than the half-cripple we have at the moment for £50k per week —What a waste of money ? There needs to be strong , unpopular decisions made immediately within the Celtic management . We no longer can persist with , ” Once great ” players and hope to progress . We need a clear-out at Celtic or we will hand the initative over to the worst Rangers team in fifty years .