Riley McGree has provided more details on his decision opt out of joining Ange Postecoglou's Celtic side.
The Australian midfielder had all but agreed to make his way to Glasgow's east end back in January after positive negotiations with Hoops boss and fellow Aussie Postecoglou, but talks broke down after a late intervention from Middlesbrough.
And now the midfielder has provided further reasoning on his decision earlier this year.
The move would have seen the player sign from Major Soccer League club Charlotte.
He signed for the American side back in 2020 but immediately moved to English Championship side Birmingham City on a season long loan.
After a successful spell, McGree was then linked with a permanent move to Celtic after playing under Ange Postecoglou during his time as Australian national team head coach.
But the deal stalled, and the midfielder instead agreed a three and a half year deal with Boro for an undisclosed fee.
Speaking to Optus Sport, McGree said: "With all due respect to Celtic and Ange, my ambition is to play in the Premier League.
"The position Middlesbrough are in and being in England, I feel like it was the best opportunity of getting to where I want to be.
"I would love to go to a World Cup.
"That's the pinnacle with a national team, to represent your country at a World Cup. One, maybe more than one.
"But also as I said before, to play in the Premier League, I personally think it's the best in the world.
"It's where as lot of Australians want to come and play and I'd love to go on and represent Australia in the Premier League."
