Former Celtic defender Carl Starfelt has opened up on why he left Parkhead for Celta Vigo during the summer transfer window.

The Sweden international enjoyed two successful seasons in Glasgow, picking up five trophies along the way.

There had been speculation that the 26-year-old joined the La Liga side to be closer to his partner Jacynta, who also left Celtic for Sporting Lisbon over the summer.

And it seemed like Brendan Rodgers confirmed this after the opening-day victory against Ross County.

He said: "Carl's clearly relationship and we all make decisions based on relationships or family.

"If you look at the bigger picture of it, I’m pretty sure in life I’ve made decisions based on my family.

"He was very honest with me when I came in. We had a good sit down and chat about it.

"And I totally understand where he’s coming from. Sometimes in life you have to compromise.

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"But if you’re in a place or a time when you don’t have to compromise then, if you can do something about it, then you may well do that."

However, Starfelt has claimed it was purely a football decision to move to Spain.

"It is clear that it is a plus. She [Jacynta] and also my parents live in Lisbon, so it will be a bit closer," he told outlet Expressen.

"But above all, it was football that decided. It was maybe a little exaggerated in the media, so maybe I was a little shocked (about Rodgers' comments).

"When you leave you get a little sentimental, even though I am convinced that I have come to enjoy myself in Spain.

"I will always be very grateful for my time at Celtic, you understand what a great club you have been a part of.

"I will look back on that when I retire, what good years I had there. I kept saying it would be something good for me to leave, and then this came up."