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Moussa Dembele explains Celtic move despite other offers: Arsenal and Tottenham snubbed
MOUSSA DEMBELE admits the lure of working with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and the promise of first-team football played a big part in his move to the Scottish champions.
Moussa Dembele opens up on Celtic move
The 19-year-old striker completed a free transfer to Celtic on a four-year deal yesterday after leaving Championship side Fulham, despite having offers elsewhere.
The France Under-20 international's proposed move to Tottenham fell through in January, while Arsenal reportedly targeted Dembele following Danny Welbeck's latest injury.
But the former Paris Saint-Germain youngster admits he couldn't turn down the chance to work under Rodgers, who took charge at Parkhead last month.
"When you have a manager like Brendan who talks to you about the club and who convinces you to come, it's a massive thing.
"He told me about the club, about what he wanted to do with me in the future, and I was happy with that. Brendan is a very big manager and I can't wait to work with him."
Dembele, who scored 17 goals in all competitions for Fulham last season, admits a move to Celtic meant he had more chance of first-team football.
"I had a few offers but I didn't have the same one I had with Celtic in terms of football," he added. "I think it's the best place for me to be.
"I signed for Celtic because it's a massive club in Europe. I want to play in the Champions League and I think I can do this here. It would be special.
Moussa Dembele - Spotlight on
"As a young boy you always dream of playing in the Champions League. We have a chance to do that this season. It's up to us, we have to win the qualifiers.
"I want to score goals, I'm a striker. I want to score goals and win trophies because Celtic is a club that wins trophies.
"I came to Celtic to improve. I was in the Championship and I've come to the Scottish Premiership. I see my future here and hopefully I can score a lot of goals for the club and win many trophies.
"Last season I watched a lot of Scottish football. I know the club well, and the unbelievable fans. It's one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I can't wait to start."
Dembele went on to prove his worth against a Premier League side, scoring in an epic Champions League encounter with Manchester City at Celtic Park.
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