Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

£5m-rated striker says he rejected chance to join Celtic

Royal Antwerp star Michel-Ange Balikwisha has revealed he turned down a move to Celtic last month because he didn't want to go when he was injured.

The Hoops were linked with a £5 million move for the Belgian Under 21s international in the summer and during last month's transfer window.

However, the 23-year-old had a muscle tear at the start of the season and missed six months of the campaign.

Balikwisha, who has 18 months left of his contract, made his comeback at the weekend against Anderlecht and claimed that Celtic were still interested in him despite his injury.

He said: "Celtic's interest was concrete, but I chose to stay.

"Leaving with an injury was not ideal for me. I would rather take good care of myself so I could be ready for the play-offs.

"We will see in the summer transfer window."

And he reckons he's raring to go for the rest of the season.


Read more: 


He said: "I’m still searching for sharpness in front of goal, but that will come back in time.

"I’m happy that everything is going well. It feels good to touch the ball again.

"I’ve had highs and lows, and I’ve had two surgeries.

"There was something wrong with the stitching. That’s why the recovery period took longer than expected.

"I could have continued playing, but you don't want to play football in pain. Then I chose to rehabilitate on an individual basis - something the club agreed to - to feel 100 per cent again."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.