New Celtic striker Albian Ajeti persuaded to sign for the Scottish Premiership champions after taking a call from manager Neil Lennon.
The Swiss international striker signed a four-year contract this afternoon after the club sealed a reported €5.5m transfer deal with Premier League club West Ham United.
Ajeti did not get too many opportunities to shine for the Hammers faithful in London but is eager to start impressing the Hoops supporters at Parkhead.
"I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Celtic fans – this was one of the main reasons I came here. I think Celtic fits perfectly for me as a striker, so I’m really looking forward to making the fans happy," Ajeti told Celtic TV.
"I’m really looking forward to joining up with the team and helping them reach our goals. I want to be successful, I hope to improve myself and the team as well.
"The manager’s encouragement was also a big part of me coming here. As a football player, especially as a striker, you need confidence. I was happy that the gaffer called me, he made it easier for me to come and sign for Celtic."
The 23-year-old made a cameo appearance in Dublin for Switzerland in last September's Euro 2020 qualifying draw against the Republic of Ireland.
That was just weeks after he moved from Swiss club Basel to West Ham in a deal worth almost €10m but he only made 12 appearances for the English club including 9 league appearances, all from the bench.
The move also sees him link up with former Basel team-mate Mohamed Elyounoussi.
"I’m very happy that everything is done now and I’m really looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates. I know a lot about the club, they’re a big traditional club and I think everyone knows Celtic.
"I played with Moi Elyounoussi back in the day at Basel. He’s a good boy and I’m really happy that we get the chance to play together again.
"He called me and text me a couple of times, he knew my situation and he knows me as a player. He tried to convince me to come here, but it wasn’t needed!
"On the pitch, I hope that he can assist me some goals. We played very well together during our time in Basel, we were successful together, he assisted me, I assisted him, and I’m really looking forward to playing with him again."
With Celtic's weekend match against Aberdeen postponed after both clubs breached Covid-19 protocols, Ajeti will have over a week to get used to his new team-mates.
He will have some stiff competition in the striking department but the 23-year-old believes that he could form a lethal partnership with Odsonnne Edouard.
"I can play as one of two strikers or on my own or with 3. I have played in many different systems. For me it is most important to attack and Celtic is an attacking club so it's a perfect fit.
"I'm looking forward to playing with (Odsonne) Edouard. I think me and him will be a good match together. I'm a hard working striker who scores goals and works hard on and of the pitch."
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