NEW Bhoy Gustaf Lagerbielke revealed he was “pushing for it to happen” as soon as he heard Celtic were interested in signing him.
The Swedish international centre-back saw his efforts rewarded today when he signed a five-year deal with the treble winners in a move from Elfsborg estimated to be in the £3million bracket.
Ironically, Lagerbiekle has inherited the No.4 shirt which was vacated by his countryman Carl Starfelt when he left for Celta Vigo late last week.
Brendan Rodgers had already identified the 23-year-old defender as an ideal replacement and the club moved quickly to secure the player who won his first cap for his nation at the turn of the year in a 2-1 win over Iceland.
PARADISE…new Bhoy Gustaf Lagerbiekle gets a first look at Celtic Park after his £3million deal.
A beaming Lagerbielke said: “I’m really excited and proud to be here. When I heard about the interest I was really excited and I was pushing for it to happen.
“The first thing you think of when you hear the name ‘Celtic’ is obviously the fans, this stadium and the atmosphere the fans create here.
“And, also, all the good players who have played here and who are playing here now, so I’m really excited to play with them and, hopefully, win a lot of games and titles.
“It’s also a good sign that as a Swedish person, you can like it here and adapt to Scotland and Glasgow. So, it’s good to know that when you take a step like this, former Swedes have been here and did it well, so, hopefully, I can walk in their footsteps.”
Lagerbiekle was talking about the likes of club legend Henrik Larsson, Johan Mjallby and Mikael Lustig who have all been massive successes in their careers in the east end of Glasgow.
The recruit, Rodgers’ sixth so far as he strengthens his squad before the August 31 midnight deadline, told Celtic TV: “Every player who signs for Celtic has the ambition to win all the domestic trophies and also do well in Europe.
“Carl has been a really good player here and, hopefully, I can also be a really good player here.”
There may be a quickfire debut for Lagerbiekle with the holders due to take on Kilmarnock in opening round at Rugby Park on Sunday.
