Celtic-linked midfielder Jung Ho-yeon has brutally admitted his move to Parkhead was never on the cards as he wasn't good enough.
The South Korea ace, 23, had been linked with a January transfer switch to Scotland.
However, now he has stated the club felt he was "lacking a lot" and needs to "increase my value" as a player.
Previous reports had suggested Celtic were in advanced negotiations over a transfer move.
But Jung has explained - while he wanted a transfer switch - no official offer was made.
He told Sports Seoul: "There was no official offer, it’s because I’m not good enough.
“If I had received an offer, I would have wanted to go to Europe. But there was no offer.
"I still feel like I’m lacking a lot, and I think the club felt that as well.
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"I think I need to increase my value as a player this season.
"I think there is a lot of room for improvement, so I don't have any regrets now."
Gwangju FC boss Lee Jung-Hyo previously said of a move to Celtic for Jung: “I haven’t heard anything, but Jung doesn't have the quality to go to Celtic.
"I hope he grows up, improves and eventually goes.
"But in its current situation, there is a high probability that he would come straight back.
"He needs to develop more in terms of skill and technique to be considered for a move to Europe."
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