'Ambition': Fares Ghedjemis lifts lid on snubbing both Celtic and Rangers in transfer window

Fares Ghedjemis says Frosinone’s ability to match his ambition was the main reason for him turning down overtures from Celtic and Rangers.

Ghedjemis became a man in demand last summer, with the newly-promoted Serie A side rejecting bids from both sides of the Old Firm.

Celtic and Rangers targeted the wide attacker as someone who could enhance their squads, with the highest bid tabling £9 million. However, Frosinone were keen to keep Ghedjemis, 24, and offered him a new contract with the promise of becoming a major club.

Celtic and Rangers both wanted to sign Fares Ghedjemis of Frosinone last summer. | Getty Images

Algeria internationalist Ghedjemis, who featured at the World Cup, says he is happy to have stayed at Frosinone and hailed head coach Massimiliano Alvini for the work he is doing, with the club currently ninth in Serie A.

"The summer transfer window, it’s over,” said Ghedjemis ahead of Friday’s league match against Sassuolo. "I had my own ambition, but I spoke to the club, and they presented me with their new ambition of becoming a major club. I'm happy to have stayed and signed a new contract. Now I want to do well.

The differences with Serie B? I arrived three years ago as a young player from the French Serie C, while now I'm more mature. There's a big difference in intensity: you have to make the right choices and there's less room for error. I like this style of football better.

"Alvini is great coach, he wants the best for all the players and wants to help them grow. He has a winning spirit, he gives love to everyone and I like that.

"He wants to make me improve. Would I sign to finish the season with 10 goals? No, ten goals is a great achievement, but I don't want to limit myself. I want to do my best."

Celtic went on to strengthen their wide options with the arrival of Haissem Hassan from Oviedo, while Rangers brought in Badredine Bouanani from Nice.