New Celtic left-back Alexandro Bernabei has revealed how Diego Maradona played a big part in his thinking behind moving to Parkhead.
The 21-year-old has made his way through the youth system at boyhood club Lanus and now pens a long-term deal to become Celtic's first ever Argentine. His fee is reported to be in the region of £3.75 million and is one of two Hoops recruits this week, with Portuguese winger Jota also arriving from Benfica. It provides competition for Greg Taylor in the left-back position at Parkhead.
It's a big step for Bernabei, who has played at youth level for his country. The late Maradona is an icon around world football for his exploits on the international scene and in domestic waters with clubs like Italian outfit Napoli. He enhanced his already glowing reputation with a move to Europe from Boca Juniors to Barcelona. Maradona was also born in Lanus and Ange Postecoglou's latest recruit is one of many admirers.
READ MORE: Celtic and Rangers title prediction as supercomputer states who'll win Premiership
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Bernabei said of his inspiration: “I had a chance to meet him when there was a friendly between Lanus and Gimnasia.
“For me, it was just really, really meaningful to be able to meet him. For my career and also for my life, for all Argentinians.
“I don’t think I’m at the stature of the best, like Lionel Messi and Maradona. However, I would really like to follow in their footsteps in terms of playing in Europe for as long as I can.
"Being the first Argentinian at Celtic means I would like to open the door for a lot more Argentinian players to come to the club. My family and my friends will all know about Celtic.”
READ NEXT:
- Celtic fans in Ross County limbo as supporters face potential blackout and race for tickets
- The best Celtic training pictures as Harry Kewell takes first session and new signing debuts
- Josip Juranovic Celtic transfer linked rubbished by Croatian media as Hoops price tag 'named'
- Jota to Celtic transfer 'set to be announced' as timeline for move from Benfica revealed
