Ange Postecoglou has lifted the lid on the dramatic 24 hours which saw him almost join AEK Athens before Celtic.
The Parkhead boss admits it was a sliding doors moment in his career.
Celtic moved for Postecoglou last summer when attempts to land Eddie Howe proved fruitless.
The call from former Parkhead chief-executive Peter Lawwell came at a period when the boss had been in talks over a move from Yokohama Marinos to the Greek giants.
Postecoglou confirmed: “AEK was a possibility, almost at the same time as Celtic.
“It was a sliding doors moment. At that time of year, clubs are looking for managers and we got really close.
“They went another way and literally a day after that I got a call from Peter Lawwell.
“I then had a chat with Dermot Desmond and it was done within 24 hours.
“But that’s been my career as a manager. Things have just happened without me really seeking it.
“I have tried to do the best I can in the role I have and, by having success, opportunities come along.
“It was difficult to see myself on this side of the world.
“I had brief chats with people, but there was still no recognition of what I had achieved.
“It was going to take the stars to align for me to get an opportunity. It’s worked out and I couldn’t be happier.”
Lawwell revealed that Postecoglou had been a name on the Celtic radar for three years prior to his appointment.
But the gaffer said: “I wasn’t aware I was on Celtic’s list before that.
“The hard part for me was: How was I ever going to get this side of the world to notice somebody like me doing his stuff in leagues and countries that Europe will rarely have a look at?
“I guess the fortunate thing for me was that I was at Yokohama, who had a link with Europe by being part of the City Group.
“Again, fate put its hand in and there was a connection with Peter and Mark Lawwell, who is now coming to us.
“For someone like me to end up in a job like this, it would have to be some sort of bizarre set of circumstances for it to happen.
“I couldn’t have done any more than I’d done, to be honest. But, otherwise, I don’t think I’d have got a look-in.”
Ironically, while Celtic have been rewarded for their appointment by Postecoglou blasting them to the Premiership title and straight into the group stages of next season’s Champions League, AEK have not been so fortunate.
The Greeks have gone through three managers since their discussions with the Hoops manager and he said: “That isn’t unusual to be fair. And I was well aware of what I was walking into.
“You try to back yourself in those times and in those situations, but it worked out for the best.”
