Marcelo Saracchi admits he wanted a return to Celtic and Martin O'Neill wanted him, but it did not feel like the club as a whole did.
The Uruguayan left-back was a popular player during his loan spell from Boca Juniors, his all-action displays endearing him to the support as well as to O'Neill.
After he was deemed surplus to requirements by the Argentinian giants, there was interest in making the move to Parkhead permanent in the summer and talks took place.
But Saracchi says it was more he and his agent trying to push things, rather than Celtic chiefs. In the end he had to admit defeat and look at his other options, eventually signing for MLS outfit Houston Dynamo.
Reflecting on that, he told the Daily Record: “Yeah. It seemed like Martin was really interested and keen on keeping me. I explained the situation to them that I wanted to give respect and time to the people in Houston as well.
"But it did feel like the negotiations were going long. I did explain my situation and I know Martin was really interested in bringing me back.
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“I feel like going to a team where they want you, not going to a team where they don’t want you. I felt like there wasn’t much interest or maybe they just didn’t count on me being an important player. "I definitely don’t want to be on a team that doesn’t want me. It was more me and my agent calling them because I wanted to come back and be a Celtic player. It wasn’t much of them reaching out to us and giving me an offer.
"I tried everything possible to go back. It felt like there wasn’t much intention from their end. They didn’t give any offer. But I wish them the best and I always try to keep track on how they are doing.” At the age of 28, he signed a contract until 2029 in the States, while there is a club option to extend that by a further two years.
However, he has not given up hope of returning to Celtic one day.
“Do I hope I’ll be able to play for Celtic again? I think yes. Honestly, the story with me and Celtic isn’t finished yet. I would like to go back.
"But like I said, it’s just on their end to see their interest and their intention in wanting me there. But things could change. There are always solutions, so I think yes," said Saracchi.
