'Celtic were interested' - Norway star reveals Hoops approach amid move to France

Norway international Patrick Berg has revealed he turned down the chance to sign for Celtic in favour of a move to French side Lens.
Norway midfielder Patrick Berg (8), pictured in action against Montenegro in October, was a target for Celtic. (Photo by ANNIKA BYRDE/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)Norway midfielder Patrick Berg (8), pictured in action against Montenegro in October, was a target for Celtic. (Photo by ANNIKA BYRDE/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
Norway midfielder Patrick Berg (8), pictured in action against Montenegro in October, was a target for Celtic. (Photo by ANNIKA BYRDE/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder completed a £3.3 million transfer from Bodo/Glimt to the Ligue 1 side last month amid interest from Parkhead and Dutch giants Ajax.

Berg, whose playing style has been compared to Claude Makele, captained his previous club to back-to-back Norwegian titles and was voted the best player in the Eliteserien in 2021.

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Celtic are due to face Bodo/Glimt in the Europe Conference League play-off round next month and while the nine-times capped Berg will be a big miss for the Scandinavians, he could have been lining up against them.

"Yes, Celtic and Ajax were both interested in me," Berg revealed.

"I had a good season with my club where we won the league and I was voted Player of the Year. But I felt Lens were the best option for me.

"When I heard of their interest, I made it clear they were the only club I wanted to move to.

"I felt ready to take the next step and I believed French football and Lens would suit my style very well. I feel very welcome here.

"Since I arrived, it has felt like the perfect choice for me. I now hope to contribute to the victories of the team and to the development of the club.

"There are good young players at the club and I think this club has a bright future."

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