Former Celtic star slams Scottish Premiership after making January move to MLS
Giorgos Giakoumakis left Celtic for MLS side Atlanta United on Wednesday, but he's already taken aim at the Scottish Premiership.
The Greek striker joined Celtic in August 2021, and helped the Scottish giants claim back the SPFL title off arch-rivals Rangers. Giakoumakis scored 26 goals in 57 appearances for Celtic, and was bought by Atlanta for a reported fee of £4.3million.
The 28-year-old was linked with a move away as soon as the transfer window opened, but will become Atlanta's new main man after Josef Martinez departed for fellow MLS side Inter Miami. It's an exciting opportunity for Giakoumakis, but he hasn't waited long to trash talk the Scottish league.
Giakoumakis was a popular figure amongst Celtic fans, which comes as no surprise as he was influential in their title-winning season, and also scored in the Champions League to earn a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk last year. However, reports that Giakoumakis was unhappy with the club started to surface in December, and he's now moved on.
The Greek striker seemed happy in Glasgow, but reportedly took offence to terms offered by Celtic during contract negotiations. Giakoumakis has now signed with Atlanta until 2026, and will occupy a designated player spot as he takes over from Martinez.
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He's already risked burning bridges with his former fans though after commenting on the 'lack of competition' in Scotland. Speaking during his first press conference after being unveiled as an Atlanta player, he said: "At Celtic it was a totally different style of play, the competition there is not so good.
"There are two clubs, and all the other clubs try to defend. Most of the opponents were trying to block is in their box, we were keeping possession and trying to create spaces, score in a different way. I think this league (MLS) is a bit more competitive.
Giorgos Giakoumakis has not held back (SNS Group)"They all try to play, so I think I will even more space in the back of their defence and create more problems. I like pressure, I work under pressure all the time. I'm hungry for goals, I think that's my fuel."
Atlanta will need the goals too, as it's been an unhappy time at the club recently after a poor season. They've finally parted ways with their star man, and looking to rebuild with Giakoumakis - who has been on their radar for a long time.
"Giorgos is a player who’s been on the club’s radar for a while and we’re excited to bring him to Atlanta," Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. "He’s a powerful striker who loves to get in the box and score goals.
"He plays with a high intensity, works hard and is someone we think will help the team both in the attack and leading the line defensively. We’re excited to welcome him to the club and integrate him into the squad."
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