CFR Cluj striker Louis Munteanu has spoken out for the first time about his failed summer transfer to Celtic, insisting he is now focused on his football. The 23-year-old was the subject of a £6.9 million bid from the Scottish champions, which was rejected by the Romanian club.
Munteanu, who scored 25 goals last season, was also linked with Valencia and Rennes, with an initial £20 million price tag. Owner Ioan Varga later claimed Ajax were close to signing the striker for £17.5 million, but the Dutch club opted for Kasper Dolberg, scuppering Celtic's late window plans.
After the transfer window closed, Munteanu rebelled against Cluj for only accepting mega-money offers, pulling out of first-team plans. Boss Andrea Mandorlini hoped to convince him to stay, as reports suggested a £4.3 million fee might now suffice. The striker eventually returned to action in September, scoring against Hermannstadt before the international break.
Speaking on international duty with Romania, Munteanu told AS: 'As I said in the last match against Hermannstadt, I got back on my feet, I feel better and better. It hasn't been an easy summer, I'm trying to focus on CFR and the national team, I'm trying to find my rhythm.'
