DEDRYCK BOYATA has admitted he struggled earlier this season when Celtic refused to sell him in a big money transfer stand-off.

The Hoops star attracted major interest from Fulham in the summer, but the Hoops wouldn't contemplate selling him to the London club.

Boyata didn't play in a crucial Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens and Celtic fans later unfurled a banner stating 'Boyata - not fit to wear the jersey' before his return against Hamilton Accies.

But the Belgium star is back as a vital member of Brendan Rodgers' side, although he is out of contract at the end of the season.

And he admitted it was a difficult time for him earlier this season.

He said: " That was hard. I will not deny that.

"But everything is going well again today. I play every game. We will see what the future will bring. I do not try to think too much about that."

And Boyata admits he should have joined Celtic earlier.

He said: "I should have taken that step of joining Celtic even earlier.

"Under Roberto Mancini I got my first chances. I was 19 at the time. After that season I was able to go to Everton. I should have done that.

"City became bigger and bigger every year. That does not make it easy for a youth player to continue to grow."

And Boyata, in an interview with Belgian newspaper de Zondag, revealed he's uncomfortable with the huge wages he earns.

He pointed out: "I have that Congolese culture in me. I do not only play football for myself. I want to give something back to my parents. Despite everything, I received a good education.

"They can now also lead a better life. My father has his own transport company. I am grateful to be in this position.

"Football players enjoy a status that is actually unjustified. I know what my mother has to do for her wages.

"In comparison, footballers earn too much money. But I stay away from that fake stuff. That is because of my background. I was not a big star when I was 18 and I'm not now."