{"id":269292,"date":"2025-11-18T07:54:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T07:54:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/269292\/"},"modified":"2025-11-18T07:54:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T07:54:12","slug":"stiliyan-petrov-names-bulgarian-international-who-nearly-joined-celtic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/269292\/","title":{"rendered":"Stiliyan Petrov Names Bulgarian International Who Nearly Joined Celtic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Celtic<\/a> 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\u2019Neill era.<\/p>\n

The former Hoops midfielder revealed that his close friend and Bulgaria teammate Milen Petkov was almost part of the same move that brought him to Glasgow in 1999.<\/a><\/p>\n

Petrov\u2019s 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\u2019s midfield.<\/p>\n

The revelation adds a new layer to the early O\u2019Neill years, with Petkov already an established international at the time and a player who later enjoyed a strong career with AEK Athens.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

He said: (the More Than a Name podcast<\/a>), \u201cThere was two representatives from Celtic, the chairman of the club and the CEO of the club. So they said, you\u2019re flying tomorrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only pick up a pair of trousers, shirt, a blazer, and I went.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not even a question. And they said, well, one of your teammates is coming with you. Milen Petkov, we played together.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he said that he\u2019s coming with you. Apparently, the interest is for both of you. And I went, oh, that\u2019s even brilliant.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the next day, flight on, into Glasgow. That time, I\u2019ve told you, pair of trousers, T-shirt, blazer, that was it. We stayed there for a week.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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\u2019ve never been about money.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about playing at the highest level, achieving and developing and doing the right things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Petrov\u2019s 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\u2019Neill\u2019s early squads. Petkov, a defensive midfielder known for positional discipline, would have complemented Petrov\u2019s athletic drive and energy.<\/p>\n

It also highlights how fine the margins can be in transfer windows. Petkov\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"CELTIC\u2019S LARSSON CELEBRATES WITH TEAMMATE PETROV AFTER SCORING AGAINST PORTO
DURING UEFA CUP FINAL MATCH IN SEVILLE.
Celtic\u2019s 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<\/p>\n

For Celtic supporters, the story reinforces how significant Petrov\u2019s 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\u2019s modern era.<\/p>\n

Petkov\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n


\n \"Tees
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