Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

Celtic's Moussa Dembele: No regrets over decision to leave PSG for Fulham

Celtic striker Moussa Dembele says he had always wanted to play for Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, but does not regret his decision to move on to Fulham in 2012.

The 20-year-old, who hails from the Parisian suburb of Pontoise, left PSG for Fulham at the age of 16 without having made a single senior appearance for the Ligue 1 side.

Speaking with TF1's Telefoot, Dembele revealed he was not given much cause for optimism in the first year of Qatar Sports Investments' (QSI) ownership of PSG and decided to sign professional terms with Fulham instead.

"At PSG, I found there was not much faith put in the youth academy graduates," he said. "I would have liked to play at the Parc [des Princes] at least once but I am happy with the choice I made and I am good here at Celtic."

Since moving to Celtic from Fulham in the summer, Dembele has been in impressive form and his seven goals in 12 Scottish Premiership appearances have attracted the interest of Manchester United, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Southampton, sources have told ESPN FC.

The player with Malian roots is currently establishing himself with France's under-21 side, but has his eyes on a call-up to the senior squad.

"It occupies a corner of my mind," Dembele said. "If I remain this efficient, then it should happen. I must continue to work hard though."

On top of his seven league goals from 12 matches, Dembele has bagged three goals in five Champions League group stage outings and scored two more in qualifying.

Dembele has fond memories of his hat trick in the 5-1 Old Firm derby win against rivals Rangers in September and lavished praise upon the Bhoys supporters for the "level of atmosphere" they create at Celtic Park.

"When you score a hat trick, you remember it all your life," Dembele said. "It is etched into the history of this derby. Without the fans, I do not think Celtic would be as big a club as they are. There are perhaps only one, two or maybe three clubs in Europe that can boast this level of atmosphere."

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