Samaras always planned to stay

Samaras: Settled in Scotland

I would love to play and stay at Celtic rather than go to a club in Italy or Germany to fight for 10th or 11th position.

Georgios Samaras
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Georgios Samaras insists that, despite incessant rumours, he never considered leaving Celtic this summer.

The Hoops striker was the subject of regular transfer speculation, with clubs across Europe reported to be chasing his services.

The likes of Palermo, Espanyol, Hercules and Newcastle were all linked with moves before the window slammed shut on Tuesday.

However, the Greece international claims he is happy at Parkhead and did not allow the prospect of leaving to cross his mind.

Samaras said: "I would love to play and stay at Celtic rather than go to a club in Italy or Germany to fight for 10th or 11th position.

"When you finish the season, you have done nothing apart from winning enough games to stay in the middle of the table.

History

"That is the reason why Celtic are a great club, as you can be in the history.

"That's important for us to understand as players and a team, and hopefully we can make something good this year."

He added: "I am away from my country, family and friends and everyone but I just feel really well here.

"I like the city. It's hard to explain. I really like being here.

"To be honest, I have a lot of friends here in Glasgow and there are people who speak the same language as me as well. I feel comfortable here.

"That's the reason that the world of rumours of changing clubs never passed through my mind, because that is negative and I want to stay here."

Rest

Samaras is determined to help Celtic wrestle the SPL title back from their Old Firm rivals this term, even if he is likely to feel the strain later on in the season when a busy summer that included World Cup duty with Greece catches up with him.

He told Celtic View: "I didn't have a lot of rest this summer but I feel good in myself.

"Sometimes I feel a bit tired because I didn't have a long rest but I think things are going well and now I am going into my third season for the club.

"I think more things will come in the coming weeks when I will feel fresher with myself and will feel fresher in my legs.

"At the moment, I feel I'm at a good level but I can improve."