Balde wants Celtic stay

Defender in no rush to leave

Last updated: 24th August 2008

bobo balde celtic

Balde: Keen on Celtic stay

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Celtic defender Bobo Balde has played down talk linking him with a move to Birmingham saying he is happy to stay at Parkhead.

Balde has been made available on a free transfer by Celtic even though he has a year to run on his contract.

The Guinea international does not figure in Gordon Strachan's first team plans and Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has confirmed his interest in the imposing central defender.

However, Balde says he has no plans to leave Celtic and would like to extend his stay at the club.

"I love Celtic." Balde told the News of the World. "I have been here seven years now and would like to stay even longer.

"I love the fans, the Scottish people and the Scottish league. I love the club, I adore the club.

Honour contract

"I would like to honour my contract until the end - until the last day, last minute, second.

"At the end of the year I will have completed eight years at the club.

"My wish is to sign another two years at Celtic. But that will be hard if I don't fit into the coach's plans. You never know in life, things can change.

"I am behaving 100 percent professional. I can't do any more than that.

"If they don't need me it's up to them to let me know."