Honduran defender Emilio Izaguirre has revealed that he declined a contract offer at Celtic in order to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere. The left-back joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Feiha in the summer after he fell behind the emerging Kieran Tierney at Park Head.

Speaking to AFC.com, Izaguirre said that he wanted more minutes under his belt and this urged him to join a new club after spending eight-long years with the Scottish champions. Despite his exit, the 31-year-old stressed that he will always have fond memories of his time in Glasgow.

"I spent seven seasons at Celtic, winning 11 trophies, playing almost 50 UEFA Champions League games, nearly 300 matches overall, I carry them in my heart. In the last six months I did not play much, but they did not want me to leave. I was offered a new contract, but I needed to play constantly to be able to play for my national team. I accepted the offer [from Al-Feiha] and I am enjoying here. The most important thing is that I am playing every game and enjoying it," he said prior to Honduras' Inter-Confederation playoff versus Australia.

Tierney made his first-team debut for the Hoops in April 2015, and he therein managed to command a regular spot on the left side of the defence ahead of Izaguirre. The Scotland international has gained good reputation over the past couple of years, and he recently earned the chance to captain his national side.

The youngster played in the heart of the defence for the Scots on his captaincy debut on Thursday, but he was unable to prevent a 1-0 friendly defeat to Netherlands at Pittodrie Stadium. Despite the loss, the 20-year-old continues to earn plaudits from several ex-Celtic players including Virgil van Dijk, who feels that the Scot should make further progress under Rodgers before pursuing a bigger challenge elsewhere.