Earlier today his agent, Claudio Pasqualin, told Italian newspapers that the player was eager to come back to Italy.

Now Donati himself has spoken out on television station Telenord about his desired destination.

“I had a wonderful experience at Samp and would be so happy to return there,” smiled the former Milan and Atalanta star.

“This summer there was already some contact, but at the time the Celtic directors said I was not for sale. Today the situation is different.”

Donati played with the Blucerchiati in 2003-04 on loan from Milan, before moving on to Messina, Atalanta and eventually Celtic in June 2007.

He is already looking forward to some reunions at Marassi, above all with captain Angelo Palombo.

“Angelo is an extraordinary player and it would be fantastic to play with him again.”