Celtic star and long-term Atlético Madrid target Matt O’Riley was today drawn on his future beyond the summer.
And his response is no doubt set to pique widespread attentions on the red half of the Madrid divide.
The name of midfielder O’Riley, of course, took its place front and centre in the headlines in Spain during the January transfer window.
This came after word was forthcoming that the aforementioned Atlético had set their sights firmly on his signature.
Having been thoroughly impressed by the performances of the 23-year-old during the Champions League group stage fixtures between the clubs, and with O’Riley in the midst of a stellar campaign – he has managed 11 goals and 15 assists to date – the brass at the Wanda Metropolitano moved forward with an opening proposal.
Their counterparts at Celtic Park, however, stood firm, adamant that the club’s crown jewel was going nowhere halfway through the season.
And, on Friday, O’Riley himself has provided a further insight into exactly why.
Speaking in an interview with Danish outlet Tipsbladet, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, the all-action midfielder confirmed that the Scottish champions simply ‘wanted more money’:
“Celtic received an offer from Atlético Madrid and it was good, but Celtic wanted more money. I’m not upset about that. For me it was great that a club like them wanted me. It’s not often that you get an offer from Atlético Madrid, so of course it’s great.”
It was O’Riley’s ensuing comments which have since turned heads in Madrid and Glasgow alike, though.
This comes with the former Fulham talent, after being drawn on the possibility of linking up with Diego Simeone’s Atléti in the summer, having concluded:
“We’ll see what happens.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
