Maccabi Haifa star Mohammad Abu Fani has broken his silence on his failed move to Celtic - but insists remaining in Israel has been a blessing in disguise after making Champions League history.
The Scottish Premiership champions watched the 24-year-old as they weighed up a summer move but his Israeli club refused to lower their asking price and Ange Postecoglou turned his attention elsewhere with the club bringing in Oliver Abildgaard from Rubin Kazan to offer midfield cover. But Abu Fani has since impressed for Maccabi Haifa and helped the side the Champions League group stage.
The Israeli international helped Haifa make European history as they became the first Israeli side to win against Italian opposition when they beat Juventus 2-0. And while Abu Fani admits he is gutted his move to Celtic Park didn't happen, he insists he's now happy at the Israeli champions after their heroics against the Serie A giants.
When asked about his potential move to Celtic, he said: "It wasn't easy at all for me during the summer. I expected to go to a club in Europe and in the end, I didn't make it and I stayed in Haifa.
"But that has been one of the best things that happened to me. I was in a kind of uncertainty because of the possible transfer and it affected me as a player. That episode closed at the same time as the transfer window,
"I've been at Maccabi Haifa all my life. For me, I regard myself now as part of the club and a supporter. Now I am only focussed on making the club better and improving myself as a player too. I'm not thinking about any transfer."
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