Neil Lennon has revealed that he could have quit Celtic for Spain during his playing days.
The midfielder was a key member of Martin O’Neill’s squad and stayed on as captain for two years once Gordon Strachan had taken over.
In 2007 Lennon left Celtic for Nottingham Forest before returning less than a year later to join Strachan’s back-room team.
“Towards the end of my time at Celtic I came close to going to Levante, I had an offer to move to Spain and it was in the offing,” he told the Daily Record. “But once Celtic came in and offered me a new contract that was that.
“However, the move did appeal – it was just at that time in my career I thought another year at Celtic was perfect for me but going abroad, trying a different culture of both football and life, does appeal.
“At the minute I’m trying to learn a new language. I did Portuguese last year and failed miserably so I’m trying Spanish now. It’s just about adding another string to your bow.”
Lennon’s close friend and former team-mate Johan Mjallby switched from Celtic to Levante in 2004 but a knee injury restricted him to just three appearances.
The Irishman left Hibs last month in mysterious circumstances with both parties putting together a statement that failed to provide any answers to why they had parted company.
Lennon is currently taking a break from football but is hoping to be back in management during the summer with the March 2 Scottish Cup tie between Hibs and Celtic likely to see him in high demand for media work.
