Nat Phillips acknowledges that he had “a few other options” before deciding to sign on for Celtic on loan, but that Andy Robertson was “a little bit envious” of his decision.
Phillips has signed a short-term loan agreement with Celtic that will keep him there until the January transfer window, after which his situation will be reviewed.
The 26-year-old, who was formerly thought to be joining Leeds for £10 million, is surprised by the move, but it gives him a chance to play first-team football.
Middlesbrough and Stuttgart were among the teams said to be interested in signing Phillips, but in an interview with Celtic TV, he said the other offers “didn’t feel the same.”
“When I heard about the interest, it was one that got me excited,” he added.
“I was really keen to get it over the line and I’m delighted to be here now,” the applicant said. “There were a few other options, but they didn’t quite make me feel the same as this one did.”
At Parkhead, Phillips will be coached by Brendan Rodgers, the former manager of Liverpool, and after speaking with the Ulsterman, he felt “reassured.”
The defender continued, “We’ve had a couple chats while I’ve been here, and they’ve gone incredibly well.
I am quite eager to start working with him now that they have just finalized the decision on the entire matter.
However, the opinions of two Liverpool colleagues who were Celtic fans before joining the squad at Anfield carried greater weight.
Robertson was released as a child by his boyhood club, in contrast to Virgil van Dijk, who remained two years there before moving to England. Robertson has been outspoken about his desire to return after his career is over.
“Robbo is probably just as excited as I am and I think, potentially, a little bit jealous because he loves it here,” Phillips continued.
“Virgil experienced the same. I’ve only heard positive things about him and that he had a nice time here.
The Scottish Premiership trip to Rangers this weekend might be Phillips’ debut, which would act as a “baptism of fire.”
The FA Cup victory against Wolves in January was Phillips’ last game, so it is unclear if Rodgers will start his new No. 6 right away.
