So Nir yet so far for Maccabi
NIR BITTON has turned down an offer to return to his homeland with Maccabi Tel Aviv after leaving Celtic.
The Israeli international is one of Celtic’s most decorated players ever after he won an incredible 18 major honours with the Hoops.
The midfielder spent nine years with the club and his trophy haul included eight titles, four Scottish Cups and six League Cups.
But he’s now plotting the next stage of his career after both he and fellow stalwart Tom Rogic announced they would be leaving towards the end of last season.
Bitton, 30, is considering offers to return to his homeland as well as possible avenues with other clubs in European leagues.
But he has rejected the first offer from Maccabi Tel Aviv to join the Bloomfield Stadium club, who finished third behind champions Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Maccabi Tel Aviv are now considering whether to return with an improved offer for Bitton, who played for Israeli club FC Ashdod before moving to Scottish football.
Bitton caught the eye of Neil Lennon with his displays there as a youngster and the former Hoops boss landed him for around £700,000.
The utility man played his final game for Celtic as a late sub in their 6-0 demolition of Motherwell and signed off with a heartfelt message to fans.
He said: “It’s been a hell of a journey but now it’s time to say goodbye. I want to say thank you for all these years of pure happiness, years that we created so many memories.
“For all my team-mates, managers and their backroom staff that helped me and supported me along the way.
“To you – the fans – I just want to say thank you. For supporting me through ups and downs and we had some of them along the way and for welcoming me to your club and to your history.”