Logan Bailly says he could not turn down the chance to join Celtic in 2015 and was not left down at only being the backup goalkeeper for the Scottish champions, though he had to leave to play regularly.
The Belgian landed at Paradise from OH Leuven in 2015 and made his debut for the Bhoys in a Scottish league clash at Dundee United in August.
Bailly arrived at Celtic with some pedigree, having turned out for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany and been capped by Belgium at international level.
But he was firmly in Craig Gordon's shadow at Celtic and made just five appearances for the club during the course of his time in Scotland, the lack of game time being a big push to move on in the summer this year.
Bailly missed playing regularly at Celtic, but insists he could not turn down the chance to join the Bhoys and had a comfortable time as number 2.
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The goalkeeper admits though that the need to play pushed him to leave Celtic.
"I consciously chose Celtic in 2015, it was a unique opportunity", the 31-year-old told Het Laatste Nieuws.
"There are much worse things in life than being second choice goalkeeper at a fantastic club like Celtic.
"Your trade can be practised and well paid – then you have to get up with a smile every day.
"It is true that I was not able to make my statement of 'hopefully my career starts now', but that is why I did not want to stay there anymore", Bailly added.
The Belgian headed back to his homeland to join Mouscron in the summer and is happy with his choice, even if he is still dreaming of moving back up the ladder.
"For a goalkeeper, 31 years old is still young. That is why I wanted to take a step back to play for Mouscron again.
"Of course, I want to take one step higher.
"But I have learned that there is a world of difference between dreams and reality.
"There can be so much going on: a change of coach, an injury, a dip in form. And then you can go from top to flop very quickly."
So far this season Bailly has clocked up regular playing time at Mouscron, turning out in seven Belgian top flight games and keeping a single clean sheet.
