Kaoru Mitoma has admitted he was 'flattered' by Celtic's transfer interest in him but the chance to play in the 'strongest league' in the world was too much of a pull.
Ange Postecoglou previously admitted earlier this month that he tried to bring the Brighton sensation to Parkhead as one of his two first signings following his arrival. He got one of those in the shape of Kyogo Furuhashi but it wasn't to be with Mitoma who decided to make the switch to the Seagulls.
Kyogo has been nothing short of a revelation in Scotland since his arrival from Vissel Kobe and he is on the verge of breaking the 30-goal barrier for the season. He had the perfect chance to hit the milestone against Kilmarnock but he was unable to add to his opener with his penalty smacking the post and bouncing away to safety.
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Mitoma's form for Roberto De Zerbi's side this season hasn't gone unnoticed with a host of clubs in England's top flight and across Europe keen on the man now rated at £35million plus. However, things could have worked out much differently as he took 'some time' to think over a move to Celtic before making the switch to England.
Speaking to Optus Sport, the Japan international said: “I was flattered, but also I knew that the Premier League has the highest level of football in the world. This was why I accepted Brighton’s offer straight away.
"I did give some time to think about Celtic too, however, my desire to play in the strongest league in the world was very high, as well as my desire to play with and against the best players in the world."
Discussing his attempt to sign Mitoma earlier this month, Postecoglou explained: “I tried to get him here but it was already almost done for him to go to Brighton. Him and Kyogo were the first two players I tried to bring across.
“Mitoma would have been a good signing but, unfortunately for us, Brighton also have a very good scouting network.
“They managed to pick him up and there was never any doubt in my mind that he was one who was going to be a top player.
“He has done really well down there, which hasn’t surprised me.”
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