Albian Ajeti will hope to line up for Sturm Graz against Lazio on Thursday night - but the Celtic loanee might have been turning out for the Serie A giants had things worked out differently.
The Swiss international is now trying to rebuild his reputation out on loan from Parkhead at the Austrian Bundesliga club after a disappointing couple of seasons in Glasgow, following a 2020 move from West Ham. They snapped him up after winning an 11-team race to sign the striker who netted 43 times in 96 appearances for FC Basel, with one club keen on him being Lazio.
He eventually joined the Hammers for a reported £8 million over three years ago, failing to score in 12 games. His new club face the Rome-based club in the Europa League this week and Ajeti is full of admiration for the Italian top flight, although he did turn down his upcoming opponents.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: RB Leipzig v Celtic on TV: Channel, kick-off time and live stream details for Champions League game
The Celtic loanee told Kronen Zeitung : "There have been talks. In the end it was certainly not a decision against Lazio.
"My gut feeling advised me to go to West Ham. "I feel good here (at Sturm Graz), I've integrated well. I follow Serie A closely.
"I know almost all the teams very well. I'm looking forward to this game. We have respect for the Romans but we certainly won't hide ourselves."
READ NEXT:
- Ange Postecoglou in fresh Celtic exit link as Hoops boss and Sevilla leader 'wanted' by EPL club
- Christopher Jullien in scary post-Celtic moment as star struggles after 'tear gas' halts game
- Liel Abada explains Celtic tribute to teen after tragic death with reminder in dressing room
- Olivier Ntcham sees red mist as former Celtic star 'got angry' before stunning Swansea solo goal
