HAISSEM HASSAN is a man on a mission after completing his big-money move to Celtic this evening.
The Egypt World Cup winger has signed an initial £6.5million deal that will rise to £9million in add-ons.
Hassan has agreed a four-year contract with a 12-month option and the tricky eye-catching touchline ace can’t wait to hit the ground running at the champions.
The new Bhoy said: “At Celtic, everything is about winning and that’s what I want.
“We need to prove that we are still the best team in Scotland, qualify for the Champions League and have a good run in Europe.
“I’m really grateful to be here and really happy.
“Celtic is a massive club. When I was growing up, the club was always in the Champions League and had big players.
COME IN No.23 YOUR TIME IS NOW…new £9million Bhoy Hassiem Hassan proudly holds his new Celtic shirt at Lennoxtown.
“I’m really looking forward to getting on the pitch with the guys.
“For me, football is all about enjoyment and my first job is to bring enjoyment to the fans who come to the stadium.
“From a football perspective, I would say I’m a skilful winger who likes one-versus-one situations and combining with my team-mates.
“I’m still only 24 and I have a lot to improve on, but I hope I can show the best of myself.”
Paris-born Hassan has quit Real Oviedo following a six-year career in Spanish football after leaving France as a teenager.
Now he is ready to prove his qualities in Scotland and, speaking to CelticPlayer, continued: “I think it’s a good moment for me to move away from Spain.
“With Celtic’s history, all the great players, the fans and the atmosphere, I think this is the perfect moment for me.
“I know I’m joining a big club, the biggest in Scotland, and I’m really looking forward to taking the next step.”
GREEN FOR GO…Hassiem Hassan is determined to hit the ground running as he kicks off his Hoops career. Image courtesy CelticPlayer.
After playing in France and Spain, Hassan commented: “I experienced two different styles of football, which made me a more complete player.
“On a personal level, it was quite a challenge leaving France at 18, discovering a new country and learning a new language.
“That’s what I want to do here – learn English, experience a new culture and discover a new style of football. I’m really excited about it.”
Hassan impressed during the global showpiece in the summer and was a stand-out for Egypt as they led Argentina 2-0 in their last-16 encounter before Messi and Co staged a dramatic fightback to triumph 3-2.
The flamboyant flanker added: “It was a massive honour and I was very proud to represent Egypt at the World Cup.
“It’s a huge country where we absolutely love football and we could feel all that love during the tournament. It’s every player’s dream to represent their country at a competition like that.”
Now Hassan’s focus turns to Celtic and the Champions League which could be the platform upon which he flourishes.
Before that, though, there is the Premier Sports League Cup-tie against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday night to be met and overcome.
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