CELTIC’S £5million New Bhoy Albian Ajeti revealed Mohamed Elyounoussi wasted his time trying to persuade his former Basel team-mate to join him at the nine-in-a-row champions.
The Swiss international striker quit West Ham to confirm a four-year deal with Neil Lennon’s side – and insisted he didn’t need to be talked into pledging his future to Scotland’s title kings.
Twenty-three-year-old Ajeti, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “I played alongside Moi Elyounoussi at Basel. He’s a good boy and I’m really happy that we get the chance to play together again.
“He called me and text me a couple of times, he knew my situation and he knows me as a player. He tried to convince me to come here – but it wasn’t needed!
“On the pitch, I hope that he can assist me some goals. We played very well together during our time in Basel, we were successful together, he assisted me, I assisted him, and I’m really looking forward to playing with him again.
TALKING THE TALK – and ready to walk the walk…new Bhoy Albian Ajeti. Picture courtesy Celtic TV.
He added: “I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Celtic fans, this was one of the main reasons I came here. I think Celtic fits perfectly for me as a striker, so I’m really looking forward to making the fans happy.
“I’m really looking forward to joining up with the team and helping them reach our goals. I want to be successful, I hope to improve myself and the team, as well.
“The manager’s encouragement was also a big part of me coming here. As a football player, especially as a striker, you need confidence. I was happy that the gaffer called me, he made it easier for me to come and sign for Celtic.”
Lennon now has Odsonne Edouard, Patryk Klimala and Ajeti vying for the main striking role with Leigh Griffiths getting back to match fitness. Vakoun Bayo has agreed a one-season loan deal at French outfit Toulouse.
Former Hoops defender Ramon Vega is in no doubt his compatriot will be a smash-hit at Parkhead, as CQN reported earlier today.
