AARON MOOY admits he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to join Celtic – even if he finds Ange Postecoglou “intimidating”.
The playmaker reunited with his former Australia international manager earlier this week after agreeing a two-year deal at the champions.
The Hoops fans are hoping they may get their first glimpse of the 31-year-old new Bhoy against Norwich City at Parkhead tomorrow afternoon before the competitive action begins with Aberdeen visiting on Flag Day at Parkhead a week on Sunday to launch the new Premiership campaign.
WELCOME TO PARADISE…Aaron Mooy is looking forward to life as a Celtic player.
Sydney-born Mooy, who has not played club football since leaving Chinese Superleague club Shanghai Port in January, has performed for his country in their World Cup play-offs against UAE and Peru as the Socceroos navigated a path to the Qatar Finals in November and December.
He said: “I haven’t touched the ball for a while. I’ve only just started training two days now. I did some fitness testing the other day and today was just doing some football with the reserve team.
“It was nice to touch the ball again, but you need some time to get up to speed and try to be in the best shape possible.”
The former St Mirren, Huddersfield Town and Brighton midfielder revealed the Hoops deal was wrapped up swiftly after discovering his ex-boss’ interest only five or six days before agreeing to join the Ange Revolution in the east end of Glasgow.
THE ‘INTIMIDATING’ GAFFER…Ange Postecoglou and Aaron Mooy during their Australian international days.
Mooy acknowledges his 56-year-old gaffer is a force to be reckoned with, but was someone he was keen to work with again as he admitted: “When I found out I had the opportunity to come here, it didn’t take me long to say yes. I couldn’t turn it down. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“It made sense, it’s a big club. The fans are amazing, the club challenge for trophies. The manager. There are lots of things that make sense. It is a special club.”
Asked about the qualities and influence of Postecoglou, Mooy, speaking to the Daily Record, answered: “He’s still intimidating, yeah. He just has that aura about him.
NUMBER 13…new Bhoy Aaron Mooy is obvously not superstitious.
“The way Ange coached with the national team, back then it was a case of speaking mainly about the football and other little bits here and there. It wasn’t like a best mates sort of thing. I understand that’s his way and wherever he’s been, he’s been successful pretty much.
“He likes to play football – not always long balls and fighting for second balls and things like that. He likes to play through teams. When I was in the national team I enjoyed it a lot.
”He’s done an amazing job so far at Celtic and I’m sure he will continue to do well. He keeps you on your toes and pushes you.
“That’s what it’s like for me, anyway!”
