Andreas Hinkel is relieved to have seen the back of the transfer window, and speculation regarding his future.
Hoops star was never keen on Parkhead exit
Andreas Hinkel is relieved to have seen the back of the transfer window, and speculation regarding his future.
The Celtic full-back was strongly linked with a move away from Parkhead prior to last week's deadline.
Switches to clubs in England and his native Germany were touted, but failed to produce any concrete bids.
Hinkel insists he was never looking to leave the Hoops and is happy to be able to put the distracting episode behind him.
"Of course it's a compliment when people tell you that this team or that team want you," he said.
"But it can also get on your nerves at the same time.
"I read different stories about the possibility of going to teams in England and Germany and at the same time I was trying to play for Celtic and look after my family.
"That wasn't easy but it was only for two weeks and it's over now."
Versatile
One of the players Hinkel is set to complement at Celtic this season is new signing Zheng Zhi.
The China international striker is still some way short of match fitness after completing his move to Scotland, but Hoops boss Tony Mowbray is delighted to have a player of his pedigree on board.
"When an opportunity arises to bring a versatile, 29-year-old international captain to your club, then I think it's a good move," Mowbray said in the
Evening Times.
"He has experience of British football, so there will be no problem adapting. I like his versatility Zheng brings with him. He can play as a holding, controlling midfielder, but he can also get forward and score goals.
"He can play off a striker if we want him to. Zheng has plenty of experience now and will add a lot to the squad.
"He played at a high level in England and really caught my eye playing for Charlton against West Brom. He was always their best player against us and really stood out."
Mowbray added: "Zheng has spent the last few months back home, so there will be a bit of fitness work needing to be done. But he won't be far away and we will soon see him out there with a Celtic strip on."
