De Vries reveals Celtic blocked a summer transfer

Having a steady old head like Dorus De Vries in your squad is always important as Celtic have learned in recent times after the Dutchman has been called upon to stand-in for the injured Craig Gordon between the sticks, but it could’ve been very different for the veteran stopper.

In the summer, firmly entrenched as the club’s backup goalkeeper, De Vries had offers to return to English football with Premier League clubs keen, but the 37-year-old reveals that Celtic and Brendan Rodgers blocked a potential departure.

When asked about whether he had offers to leave Parkhead, De Vries was very honest in his response:

Yes, of course. I did. In the summer, there was also some interest. I could have gone back to the Premier League, but, at that moment, I wasn’t allowed to go. Simple as.

De Vries has started each of the last three games after Craig Gordon suffered a severe knee injury which will keep him out for several months and he says that despite being denied the chance to play elsewhere, he’s enjoying life at Celtic.

Besides the not playing bit, which always hurts, all the other bits were really, really good. The coaching staff keep you going. I’m really fortunate with my goalkeeping coach, Stevie Woods, who keeps me going.

I’m really fortunate with my family, who are really enjoying where we live. It’s a great area. We have a winning team, being involved in a European-playing team. Winning trophies. Stuff like that. You take that on board as well and it keeps you fighting for more.

Like I said, there were possibilities in the summer, but there was no option of going. You have to respect that decision and make the most of it. You can’t mope about it. You can’t go and sit the in corner and cry. That would be no use. You have to take it on the chin and try to make the most of the situation.

De Vries spent the early part of his career in Dutch football before joining Dunfermline on a free transfer from ADO Den Haag for the 2006-07 season where he impressed enough to earn a move to Swansea the following year.

During his time as Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers worked with De Vries and the Dutchman was his No.1 during their promotion campaign to the Premier League, so he clearly has the trust of the manager which is why he was reluctant to let him go.

Now set for an extended run in the side, De Vries is finally being rewarded for his patience.