 Desailly agreed to leave Chelsea this week |
Veteran French defender Marcel Desailly has expressed interest in a move to Celtic as well as hinting he would be keen to stay on as a coach at Chelsea. The 35-year-old terminated his playing contract on Tuesday and told the Daily Record that Celtic would be an option.
"I would like the chance to play for Celtic, if they want me, because I like the way they play," he said.
But he later added that a staff role at Stamford Bridge would also appeal and vowed to make a decision in 10 days.
"Chelsea have been fantastic with me by freeing me from the final year of my contract, since when I've given myself 10 days to decide what my future will hold," Desailly said.
"I am currently reflecting on opportunities, knowing that two possibilities are open to me.
 |  At this stage in my life it's about wanting to play with another big team with high ambitions and I think Celtic would be ideal |
"Either I can turn the page and begin a new life professionally - besides Chelsea have opened a door for me in that sense - or I can extend my playing career.
"I am flattered to note that my name has not been ignored by certain clubs."
Desailly did rule out playing for another Premiership side.
"A number of Premiership clubs want me to sign but I don't want to play against my old club," he told the Daily Record.
Desailly won the 1998 World Cup, the 2000 European Championship and 116 caps for his country, but has now retired from international football.
"At this stage in my life it's about wanting to play with another big team with high ambitions because I know I have at least one, maybe two good years left and I think Celtic would be ideal," Desailly added.
"I also know about Martin O'Neill and I believe I could work with a manager like him.
"They (Celtic) are in the Champions League, they want to progress and I could help them do that."
MMIX
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