MIDFIELDER Kwon Hyeok-kyu completed a South Korean double when he followed compatriot Yang Hyun-jun in making a dream come true by signing for Celtic.
The 22-year-old anchorman also agreed a five-year deal following Brendan Rodgers’ fourth pre-season signing as he strengthens his squad for the new campaign.
Kwon admitted he once envisaged following in the bootsteps of his nation’s legendary Ki Sung-yueng who performed at Parkhead for two and a half years before moving to Swansea City in 2012.
GOOD KOREA MOVE…midfielder Kwun Hyeok-kyu is ready to fight for Celtic.
The ball-winning middle-of-the-park operator said an emotional farewell to the followers of his former K-League outfit while explaining his reasons for leaving his boyhood favourites.
Kwon, writing on Instagram, said: “Hello to all the fans who love Busan iPark. After receiving an offer from a great team I’ve been dreaming of since childhood, I’ve chosen a new challenge, I’ve written a long article to say my last goodbye.
“I always had the Busan iPark emblem on my left chest, except for my military service days, since I had the goal of becoming a professional soccer player in 2010.
“It’s heartbreaking to leave a club that has occupied more than half my life, but I’ve decided to move because it’s time to start a challenge to achieve a dream I’ve had since I was a kid.
HOOP HOOP HOORAY…Kwun Hyeok-kyu proudly holds the No.22 shirt. Images courtesy Celtic TV.
“Since I became a professional for the first time, the fans shouted my name, and the fans who cheered for me passionately every game, I will work hard and adapt well to the new team!
“I hope you see me in the stadium again someday, I hope I will be a great player. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Kwun and Yang now join Norwegian midfielder Odin Thiago Holm, who made his debut as a second-half substitute in the weekend win over Osaka Gamba in Japan, and Australian winger Marco Tilio at the treble winners.
And you can be certain returning boss Rodgers has not put the chequebook away yet during this transfer window which closes at midnight on August 31.
