CHARLIE Mulgrew today revealed he had to leave the Dons to get a crack at a Scotland call-up.
The full-back was unveiled as Neil Lennon’s first signing at Celtic, as he penned a three-year-deal.
Mulgrew had rejected the offer of an extended contract at Aberdeen.
And he insisted that rejoining the Hoops, where he emerged through the youth ranks, can elevate him into Scotland boss Craig Levein’s plans.
He said: “I would like to get international recognition, and hopefully that can come at Celtic.
“However I am not going to be part of Craig Levein’s plans if I do not do well at my new club.”
Mulgrew was released by then Celtic boss Gordon Strachan in 2006.
He moved to Wolves, and had a loan spell at Southend, before joining the Dons in 2008.
And as he called time on his two-year spell at Pittodrie, he insisted starring for the Reds made him a better player.
He said: “I am definitely a better player, and a better person now.
“In recent years I have matured and I have just tried to keep my focus and do my best on the pitch.”
Mulgrew completed an emotional return to the club where he began his career.
And he revealed he was ready to sign for Championship side Sheffield United, until the Parkhead club came calling. “I was pretty close to signing for Sheffield United,” he said.
“But once the call came through from Celtic there was only one place I wanted to be.
“When I left Parkhead in 2006 I thought that was it because there are not many players who leave Celtic and then get the chance to come back.
“Hopefully I can provide good set-pieces and play football from the back.”
Mulgrew is now targeting SPL glory with his new club next season.
He said: “It’s going to be hard to win the league.
“But that is what we will be aiming to do this season and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that.”