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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Celtic confirm Benji Siegrist signing following Dundee United departure

Celtic confirm Benji Siegrist signing following Dundee United departure

CELTIC have confirmed the signing of Benji Siegrist this evening. 

The Swiss goalkeeper joins the Scottish champions after the expiry of his contract at Dundee United. 

The new Hoops No.31 has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Parkhead. 

He told Celtic TV on his arrival: “It feels amazing, it’s a very proud feeling to be here, and I’m really, really excited. I can’t wait to get going and meet the staff, the players, and, ultimately play for this football club.

“I had a phone call from the manager, he hung up the phone and I think people just knew straight away that something good was happening. It was a very proud moment in my career.

"To be here and be representing the football team, the colours, the city and everything, it’s a hugely proud moment, and everything I’ve always wanted to be – at a top environment, at a top team and it simply can’t get any better than this."

Looking back to those previous performances against his new team-mates, he said: “Of course you know you’re going to be busy playing against such a talented side and international players so I was never short of motivation. And to be here and competing now for Celtic is just amazing.

"You’re never short of motivation when you play against the best, and ultimately I want to play before the best and compete against the best.

“So, obviously coming here and playing here is a different vibe, it’s a different stadium and it can be too big for you, but I’ve always enjoyed the big occasions and that’s something I want to bring here as well.”

On his fight for the No.1 spot with Joe Hart, he added: "Joe needs no introduction, Joe was a role model and he’s still is a role model for me. I’ll look up to him and he’s such an imposing figure in the goal with loads of experience – winning titles in England and obviously just being around him, I want to learn as much as possible.

“But I want to compete, I want to push him, he’s certainly going to push me all the way. I look forward to the whole Goalkeeping Union with Scott Bain as well – the GK Union, we’re special so I look forward to a good relationship with all the goalkeepers.”

Postecoglou was delighted to get his man.

He said: “I am really pleased to welcome Ben to Celtic and we look forward to working with him. I have had really positive discussions with him.

“I know he is hugely enthusiastic about this opportunity and also that he is someone who will add real competition to our goalkeeping position.  

"We all saw last season the ability that Ben has, as time and again he delivered fantastic performances.

“He is a really talented keeper with the ambition to always work, to develop himself further and to achieve success and I think in signing Ben we have made a very important addition to our squad.”

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