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John Guidetti was shelled out on loan five times in seven years at Manchester City – but it’s his season with Celtic he credits with earning him a home in Sweden’s Euro 2016 squad.

That’s why the 24-year-old frontman admits a return to the east end of Glasgow further down the line cannot be ruled out.

Guidetti signed a five-year deal with La Liga outfit Celta Vigo last summer after turning down a chance to make his Parkhead move a permanent one.

It’s a decision the striker stands by after bagging 12 goals in the Spanish side’s charge to a Europa League spot.

(Image: REUTERS)

But Guidetti reckons his nine months in Scotland put him on Celta’s radar – and set him on his way to a starring role at this summer’s European Championships.

He came off the bench in Sweden’s Group E opener against the Republic of Ireland to produce a sublime backheel for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to force an own goal.

That helped earn the Swede a place in Erik Hamren’s starting XI for Friday’s clash with Italy, though he could do little to prevent a 1-0 defeat to the Azzurri.

The former Etihad youngster, who also spent loan time at Feyenoord, Burnley, Stoke and Swedish side Brommapojkarna, was popular with Celtic fans during Ronny Deila’s first campaign in charge.

Guidetti netted 15 times in 35 appearances for the Hoops, including a memorable equaliser in a 3-3 Europa League draw with Inter Milan at Parkhead.

The colourful frontman admits he loved his stay in Scotland and – despite being happy at Vigo – is not averse to the idea of making a comeback later in his career.

Guidetti told MailSport: “I loved my time at Celtic – it was amazing. It was a chance to play for a fantastic club.

“And there were some moments at Celtic – like scoring against Inter in the Europa League – that gave me the opportunity to sign for Celta Vigo.

“We did amazingly well this year. We’ve qualified directly for the Europa League and we beat some top teams.

“It’s an exciting time for the club now. We beat Barcelona at home, Villarreal and Sevilla away, and Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. We’ve had a great season and it’s been a brilliant year for me.

“You never know, maybe I’ll come back to Celtic one day. I was very happy in Glasgow.

“The supporters there were always

amazing towards me. I saw a lot of them against Ireland on Monday night.

“I know a lot of Celtic fans are Irish supporters and my girlfriend told me after the game that they were so friendly to her.”

Guidetti is now starting to live up to the reputation he gained as a young player in Sweden and later cemented in Holland with 20 goals in 23 league appearances during his loan spell at De Kuip.

Injuries and a plethora of multi-million-pound striking talent curtailed his chances at English giants Manchester City.

A two-year battle with injuries before his arrival at Celtic in September 2014 was the lowest point and left him convinced some had written him off. However, it has made him all the more appreciative of the chance he now has for club and country.

Guidetti said: “I have no divine right to start games for Sweden.

“People asked if I should after my flick for the goal against Ireland.

“But I only ever try to do my best for my country. I’m extremely proud to be Swedish and to represent my country at a major championships.

(Image: Getty)

“This has been my dream since I was a small boy. To actually do it, it’s incredible. This year just gets better and better. When I was really down, it was a dark period in my life.

“When I was injured people thought my football career was over. That was tough. But to stand here now, part of Sweden’s squad for Euro 2016, it’s fantastic.

“When I finished at Celtic I had the choice to go to Spain with Celta Vigo and I have to say it’s been a fantastic year.

“I think I made the right decision about the move because I’ve scored a lot of goals for the club.

“I’ve scored against some big clubs in La Liga and I’m really enjoying life right now. Celta is a terrific club to play for.

(Image: Reuters)

“For me, I’m in the best league in the world. To test yourself against the type of players I’m up against in Spain is excellent.”

Sweden’s draw with the Irish and defeat to Antonio Conte’s Italy side in Toulouse leaves them second bottom in Group E.

And Guidetti said: “We’re in a really difficult group and Belgium will be a tough match again on Wednesday.

“But we have to bring the energy, power and quality that we know we’re capable of. If we continue in that way, I’m sure we’ll do well.”