RYAN CHRISTIE has hit back at his critics as he insisted he turned down big-money offers from the Premier League to play for Bournemouth.
The former Celtic star joined the Cherries on transfer deadline day last month after six years at Parkhead.
That was despite interest from Burnley and a chance to play in the top flight down south.
And that left some pundits and fans questioning why he chose to leave the Hoops in the first place.
However, Christie has now fired back at his critics as he insisted his decision was purely about where he’d get a regular opportunity to play.
He told the Sunday Mail: “In terms of the money grabbing shout that’s going about – I just don’t understand it.
“It just confirms to me that most of this stuff comes out of thin air.
“Money-wise, there were better options for me in the Premier League.
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“And if I wanted to be a bit-part player for a club in that league, I’d have gone there.
“But I wanted to join a club where I felt I’d be an important player and there would be pressure on me to play well.
“Bournemouth was perfect as a team who are desperate to play in the Premier League.
“And if we can get up, hopefully I can be a vital player there.
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“I didn’t want to come down here, play for a club where I’d get 20 minutes here or there and take up a wage.”
Christie made his debut as a second-half substitute in Bournemouth’s 3-0 victory over Barnsley last weekend.
And he started for their first time in their 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers earlier this week.
However, speaking earlier this month, SunSport columnist Davie Provan revealed even a text from Christie’s dad Charlie wouldn’t dissuade him from his view that the midfielder lacked ambition.
He said: “His dad Charlie, who I played with at Celtic and was a team-mate of mine, messaged me this week and was very unhappy that I suggested Ryan’s ambition was in question.
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“Basically he was just trying to point out that he sees Bournemouth as a stepping stone and a chance to kick on.
“Obviously he sees himself in the English Premier League at some stage.
“I just think he could have got a better club and, to put it simply, I think he’s a better player than Bournemouth.
“I think he can get a much better club than Bournemouth.”
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