Maloney clinches Celtic return (From Haringey Independent)

Maloney clinches Celtic return

4:59pm Friday 22nd August 2008

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Shaun Maloney has rejoined Celtic on a four-year contract from Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old made his Celtic debut in April 2001 but left for Villa Park in January 2007 for a £1million fee after failing to agree new terms with the Scottish champions.

Maloney has returned north for a fee which could rise to £2.5million, according to the Villa website.

Speaking at his unveiling at Celtic's Lennoxtown training complex, Maloney revealed he was never sure Villa was the right club for him.

Asked if he regretted the switch, he said: "I wouldn't say regret but I think at the time I probably knew in my heart of hearts it wasn't the right move.

"I don't want to disrespect the club I was at but I think they knew in the first few months I really struggled with it and the manager and staff were great with me.

"But I knew it wasn't the club I wanted to play for and, thankfully, I came back."

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