Alexandro Bernabei was brought up in a small village of 6000 residents and the new Celtic star is thrilled to make them all proud. Bernabei revealed the entire population are already fans of Ange Postecoglou ’s team after his arrival at Parkhead.
The 21-year-old admits he’s fulfilling a lifetime dream by joining Celtic, and his signing of a five-year deal means he’s the first individual from his country in history to move to the club. Bernabei is thrilled to have made the jump. As much for how it will make the people of Correa feel as for his own career.
He said: “I grew up in a small village of 6000 people in the province of Santa Fe. The name of the town was Correa. There wasn’t a lot of chances in the village. Especially as we didn’t leave the village. But then I moved to Lanus and that’s when I had my opportunity to play football.
“Yes, there were other choices in the village. My grandfather used to take me to football from three years old because I was very energetic. I would not sleep well at night.
“Obviously, especially if a guy like me comes from such a small village, it really makes the people proud when one of us has success.
“Especially my family. What I do makes them proud and that’s important to me. My family and my friends will all know about Celtic.
“They have all started following me with this news. All 6000 people in the village are now going to be Celtic fans.”
Bernabei has confessed it was always a dream of his to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious countrymen and earn a deal away from his native South America in Europe.
The youngster didn’t know during his formative years it would be in Scotland or with Celtic but he says he’s thrilled to be offered this crack and can’t wait to get going.
Bernabei said: “The first thought I had when I heard about interest was I was very hopeful it was something that was going to come to fruition. I didn’t need to speak to anyone.
“The transfer was going to happen and I’d already made up my mind that I was going to come here, regardless. It was a dream of mine to come and play in Europe. It’s happened that I come to a big club, a huge club like Celtic, so I didn’t think twice. Family and friends was not an issue.
“Because it is a huge club, it opens the door to other players from other nationalities to come here and play.”
Bernabei arrives with a lofty reputation. Surging through the ranks at Lanus, his outstanding form was spotted by Postecoglou’s recruitment staff.
He didn’t grow up basing himself on any footballing idols, but said: “When I started watching football, I really wanted to be like Marcelo, of Real Madrid.
“Of course, I would like to join the attack but also be defensive because that is also needed. We have a full month of pre-season, so physically I will be OK. Nothing really intimidates me about the game.
“The fans are going to see a kind of player that’s aggressive, that has a lot of personality and who always gives his best for the team and will defend the Celtic players. I like and I also do well in that (Celtic) style. So I’m going to learn a lot and grow as a player.”
Postecoglou has already outlined his trust during conversations ahead of the signing. With Adam Montgomery and Liam Scales having departed the scene for St Johnstone and Aberdeen respectively, Bernabei is set to go into direct competition with Scotland international Greg Taylor for the side’s left-back slot.
The Argentine is up for the test and said: “I spoke to the manager and he said he believed in me and my quality. He also said that I can adapt to the team quickly. He made me feel very comfortable. I am very grateful to him and the club.”
For Bernabei, the doors to the biggest matches and stadiums in the game have now opened with his opportunity to play in the Champions League.
The youngster could face compatriots such as Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in the biggest club competition.
But he said: “Champions League is a huge competition, so whether it’s PSG or another club, for me it’s just unbelievable coming from a small town in Correa in Argentina. It’s just a dream come true.
“From what I’ve seen and heard, there’s about 60,000 people in the stadium. I can’t wait to feel that adrenaline and atmosphere and what it’s like to play in front of those fans. I’ve heard that the people are crazy, so I can’t wait to sense that feeling in Celtic Park.”
First job for Bernabei and Celtic will, however, be the retention of their Premiership title.
The glamour of the Champions League offers lure and prestige for the players and finance to the club’s money men but the bread and butter of the domestic game also has major significance.
Bernabei is happy to accept the challenges which will be set during his maiden term. He said: “First of all I’d like to become champion of Celtic. After that, enjoy all the years that I have at the club.”
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