Emanuel Aiwu has claimed Scottish champions Celtic made an enquiry over his services before deciding to make the switch to Italy in a £3.5million deal.
The Austrian defender has joined Cremonese in Serie A from Rapid Vienna and has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the top flight new boys. Ange Postecoglou has already been very active in the transfer market and has refused to rule out further additions ahead of the deadline with the Hoops still active with a number of weeks until the window slams shut.
Players could still come and go from Parkhead as the Celts continue in their bid to retain the Premiership title today against Ross County in Dingwall after an opening day win over Aberdeen last weekend. One star who claims he had the potential chance to move to Scotland and taste Champions League football this season is Austria Under-21 captain Aiwu - who was linked with a number of clubs across Europe. He opted to make the move to Italy but has claimed Celtic were amongst a host of clubs interested that included clubs from Germany, Turkey and Russia.
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He said: "There were enquiries from Mainz and Celtic and there was interest from clubs in Turkey and Russia, but Cremonese impressed me the most when we spoke - they showed they really wanted me.
"I loved my time at Rapid, but Serie A is an absolute top league, I will be challenged here every week, I'm looking forward to this opportunity.
"We know that our aim is to stay in Serie A, but I do think we can do more than just avoid relegation. But there is a real chance for me to make a name for myself in Italy."
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