Victor Wanyama chose Celtic over Aston Villa
- Published
Wanyama was signed from Belgian side Germinal Beerschot
Victor Wanyama claims he knocked back the chance to play in the English Premier League with Aston Villa to win silverware at Celtic.
"Aston Villa were interested but I chose Celtic because I really wanted to win trophies," said the 20-year-old.
"Celtic are a great club, an historical club," added the Kenyan midfielder.
"European football was another reason. Aston Villa aren't playing in the Europa League and Celtic will be. It was an easy choice for me."
Wanyama, who is in Neil Lennon's squad for Sunday's Scottish Premier League opener against Hibernian at Easter Road, chose number 67 to show his appreciation for the Celtic which won the European Cup in 1967.
He revealed that he sought career advice from his brother, McDonald Mariga Wanyama - who plays for Inter Milan, the team Celtic beat on that occasion.
Wanyama said: "I spoke to my brother and he helped me to choose Celtic.
"He told me this was a great step for me and I would have the chance to win trophies.
"But he didn't know about 1967.
"I have been reading about Celtic's history and it was me who told him about it."