NEW Bhoy Hatem Abd Elhamed has revealed he never had second thoughts about joining the Celtic Family.
The Israeli international defender agreed a four-year deal earlier this week after Hapoel Be’er Sheva accepted the Hoops’ bid of £1.6million for the versatile performer who can also play centre-half.
Elhamed, 28, admitted the team atmosphere was crucial to his decision to join the Parkhead men and he did “everything he could” to push through a transfer to the eight-in-a-row champions.
The player was presented to the home support during half time of Neil Lennon’s side’s 5-0 Champions League qualifying romp over Nomme Kalju on Wednesday evening.
Elhamed, speaking to the media, said: “It was an easy decision for me.
“When my agent told me that Celtic were interested, I was so happy and did everything to come here.
“I’m very, very happy and proud to be a Celtic player now. I have known about their interest for about a month and a half and I wanted this so much.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I’m so, so happy to be part of Celtic.
“Of course, I know the history of the Israeli players here like my friends Nir Bitton and Beram Kayal.
“I spoke with both of them and they gave me some fantastic advice about the club, the people and, in the end, it was an easy decision.
“I am going to wear the No.33 shirt, the same as Beram. I hope it brings me good luck.”
Elhamed will attempt to provide the solution to the Hoops’ problem position after long-serving Sedish international Mikael Lustig quit at the end of his contract to join Belgian outfit Gent.
Costa Rican Cristian Gamboa, a Brendan Rodgers £1.2million signing from West Brom, also left after three years at the club and Jeremy Toljan returned to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund at the completion of his loan deal.
