NEW Bhoy Nicolas Kuhn has already put a cicle around Saturday April 6 on his calendar.
That’s the date of the third Glasgow derby duel of the season and the £3million recruit could come face to face with his friend Danilo, the Ibrox side’s striker who joined from Feyenoord in the summer.
Kuhn and the Brazilian first met during their stint at Ajax, but the latest Hoops recruit will put a five-year friendship on hold when they meet in Govan on an afternoon where three points will be a must for the visitors who triumphed at the venue in early September with a Kyogo Furuhashi wonder strike.
WELCOME TO CELTIC…Nicolas Khun on his first day at Lennoxtown training. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
The 24-year-old versatile German raider signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Parkhead on Monday, as CQN reported, to complete his move from Rapid Vienna.
Now he is looking forward to hitting the ground running and is standing by for a quickfire debut in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round encounter against Highland League side Buckie Thistle at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon.
Kuhn spoke to the media yesterday after the deal was done and dusted he revealed his comradeship with Danilo, currently sidelined with a knee injury, when they were coming through the ranks together at the academy at the Amsterdam giants.
The flying winger said: “Actually, he was my best friend at Ajax. We are always in contact. I didn’t speak to him before I came here, but he texted me.
“We didn’t really get into a deep conversation, but he was happy and hopefully I can see him. I think I will keep him a little bit away from me!
“When we were at Ajax, he would sleep at my place and I would sleep at his place. We were really good friends. There was a group of about three, four or five of us who always did things together, like go to the city or go out to eat something.
“We saw each other every day, playing Xbox and that kind of thing. Of course, we have stayed in touch and I knew about his injury before I knew about any interest from Celtic.
“I talked with him and wished him a speedy recovery because that’s something that can happen, but I would wish it on nobody. I hope he’s going to be fit.”
MEET THE MEDIA…Nicolas Kuhn reveals all about his friendship with Ibrox rival Danilo.
Kuhn, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “I told him already: ‘I’ll see you soon!’
“That’s what we talked about. Of course, I’m looking forward to these games and my agent, Christian Nerlinger, also told me a lot about it.
“He obviously played for the other side, but he told me it’s a special atmosphere, so I can’t wait to see it for myself. He also said that his time in Scotland was the best time of his football career even though he had some injuries.
“He really liked the people and he loved to play here. Yesterday he even managed to visit his old neighbours because he’s still in touch with them. He just told me great things and that he really wanted to stay a lot longer than he did.”
Kuhn added: “I have some new team-mates I have met already and, hopefully, they can show me around.
“The club are really professional and there a lot of people who want to help you to settle down, so I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”
