Celtic supporters have heard countless transfer tales down the years, but Stiliyan Petrov has now lifted the lid on one of the more fascinating sliding-door moments of the Martin O’Neill era.
Petrov’s arrival became one of the most important signings in modern Celtic history, yet the story could have unfolded differently had Petkov accepted an invitation that took both players to Scotland for a week-long look around the club. Petrov explained that Celtic officials travelled personally to secure their interest, making it clear that they wanted not just him but another key member of Bulgaria’s midfield.
The revelation adds a new layer to the early O’Neill years, with Petkov already an established international at the time and a player who later enjoyed a strong career with AEK Athens. For Celtic, pairing the two Bulgarians together could have significantly altered the shape of the side that eventually dominated Scottish football in the early 2000s.
While Petrov went on to become a cornerstone of the team, Petkov chose a different path, influenced by family commitments and the realities facing a more experienced player. Petrov’s reflection hints at how close Celtic came to bringing in a ready-made partner for him, one whose qualities would have suited the Scottish game.
He said: (the More Than a Name podcast), “There was two representatives from Celtic, the chairman of the club and the CEO of the club. So they said, you’re flying tomorrow.
“I only pick up a pair of trousers, shirt, a blazer, and I went.
“There’s not even a question. And they said, well, one of your teammates is coming with you. Milen Petkov, we played together.
“And he said that he’s coming with you. Apparently, the interest is for both of you. And I went, oh, that’s even brilliant.
“And the next day, flight on, into Glasgow. That time, I’ve told you, pair of trousers, T-shirt, blazer, that was it. We stayed there for a week.
“The other player, he had a family, he had already a kid, he had a wife as well. For youngster, in my thoughts, in my head, I’ve never been about money.
“It’s about playing at the highest level, achieving and developing and doing the right things.”
Petrov’s account is a reminder of how bold Celtic were during that period, identifying young talent and showing a willingness to move quickly. The idea of a double signing involving two established international midfielders would have been a major statement at the time and could have reshaped the dynamic of O’Neill’s early squads. Petkov, a defensive midfielder known for positional discipline, would have complemented Petrov’s athletic drive and energy.
It also highlights how fine the margins can be in transfer windows. Petkov’s decision was influenced not by footballing concerns but by family responsibility, something Petrov openly acknowledges. Had circumstances been different, Celtic might have secured both players, adding another experienced international to the spine of the team that went on to reach a European final.
CELTIC’S LARSSON CELEBRATES WITH TEAMMATE PETROV AFTER SCORING AGAINST PORTO
DURING UEFA CUP FINAL MATCH IN SEVILLE.
Celtic’s Swedish Henrik Larsson (L) celebrates with teammate Stilian Petrov
after scoring against Porto during UEFA Cup final soccer match in Seville
May 21, 2003. REUTERS/Jeff J Mitchell PP03050078
For Celtic supporters, the story reinforces how significant Petrov’s mindset was from the moment he arrived. His emphasis on ambition over money, even as a young player, foreshadowed the standards he later set on the pitch. That mentality made him one of the defining figures of the club’s modern era.
Petkov’s near-move now becomes another what-if in Celtic history. His career in Greece showed he had the pedigree to thrive at a high level, and Petrov’s praise suggests the club saw the same qualities. In the end, only one Bulgarian became a Celtic hero, but it could easily have been two.
