NOT every footballer has the chance to sign for their boyhood team.
But this former Scotland international would’ve found himself in a bit of a predicament had he made that dream a reality 12 years ago.
Johnny Russell playing for Scotland in 2015[/caption]
He started his career at Dundee United[/caption]
He almost joined Celtic instead of Derby County[/caption]
Celtic fan and ex-Dundee United forward Johnny Russell is a lifelong Hoops supporter who was left ‘gutted’ back in 2013 when a summer move from Tannadice to Parkhead collapsed.
The Hoops were locked in talks with United along with Derby County and it was the Rams who won the race for his signature.
Russell, now 34, went on to become a popular figure at Pride Park and he enjoyed his five-year stint down south, but his eyes were always set on Celtic.
However, the same can’t be said for his Rangers-supporting father!
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast in 2019, Russell revealed his dad would have DISOWNED him if he signed for Celts instead of Derby.
He said: “I think he would have disowned me if I ever played for Celtic.
“Deadly serious, I don’t think he would have spoken to me again.”
Russell went on to explain that Derby priced out the Hoops from capturing his signature when they lodged their £650,000 bid.
He continued: “People think that I turned down Celtic but it never came to that.
“It was Celtic or Derby and I was in Tenerife on holiday at the time. I heard about it (the interest) before I went away but I wanted to go on holiday and see what happened.
“They both offered £500,000 but Dundee United wanted more.
“Derby then came back in with £650,000 and obviously at the time I wanted to go to Celtic so I was asking my agent ‘what’s happening with Celtic?’
“My agent told me that Dundee United have accepted it and he asked me what do I want to do. I still wanted Celtic to come back in but they wouldn’t budge.”
Russell was surprised Celtic didn’t return with a slightly improved offer after already bidding £500,000.
But it all worked out for him in the end as he was impressed with what Derby had to offer.
He added: “I was gutted aye because I know it’s a lot of money, but it’s £150,000 on top of what they were already offering.
“It never happened so I spoke to (Derby manager) Nigel Clough and after speaking to him I realised I was right up for it, it sounded brilliant.
“I spoke to him while I was on holiday and then flew home (to sign the deal).”
Russell spent four-and-a-half years with Derby before heading across the pond to join Sporting Kansas City in January 2018.
The 14-cap Scotland star became a fan favourite in Kansas having been crowned their MVP twice in 2020 and 2022.
He was also named their Attacking Player of the Year in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Russell left the club at the end of last season and is currently still a free agent.
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