Georgios Samaras has told Celtic that they will have to wait before discussing any permanent transfer.
Greece striker to ponder future at Euro 2008
Georgios Samaras has told Celtic that they will have to wait before discussing any potential permanent transfer after putting his future on hold until after Euro 2008.
Samaras, who has been included in Greece's squad for this summer's European Championship finals, joined the Bhoys on loan in the January transfer window after struggling to settle at City following a £6million move from Heerenveen in 2006.
The striker has made no secret of his desire to leave City and has warned the Premier League outfit that they will be powerless to prevent him joining Celtic, who are believed to be keen to secure a long-term deal.
But while Samaras - who is also understood to be a target of Werder Bremen - insists Celtic remain his first choice, the 23-year-old has warned manager Gordon Strachan that he will be forced to delay discussions.
Future
"What happens now? Well, at this stage I can't say. I just want to concentrate on Euro 2008. Now is not the time to be making decisions on my future," Samaras told the
Daily Record.
"Manchester City and Celtic will just have to wait until the time is right. My focus has to be on these finals.
"Let me say this, it is my decision and no one else's. Manchester City can't keep me if I don't want to stay.
"When the time is right I will look at my options seriously because I must make the right decision for my future.
First choice
"I have said that my first choice is Celtic and that is still the way I feel. I don't know anything about Bremen and at this stage I don't want to know.
"If Celtic want me and they can agree something with City then it should be very easy - but we'll wait and see.
"It would be nice to stay at Celtic because my four months at the club have been beautiful and successful. If they want to keep me then it shouldn't be difficult.
"But for now I want to focus on this tournament. The time for sorting out my future will come later."
