ERIK SVIATCHENKO’S life has been turned upside down since he joined Celtic a year ago.
The Danish international centre-half cost £1,5million when arrived from Midtjylland as one of Ronny Deila’s last signings for the Hoops.
He left Denmark as their top-flight’s Player of the Year and has now settled into an excellent partnership at the Hoops alongside Croatian Under-21 international Jozo Simunovic.
Sviatchenko, who has six caps, can look back with some pride at his 12 months at the champions who are heading for six Premiership crowns in a row.
He said: “It has been a positive ride forward so far.
“There have been some bumps on the way, but they are bumps I’ve been able to overcome with the help of my team-mates and the staff.
“I’m really pleased with my development as a human being and as a footballer because it’s important to divide the two.
“When you go on the pitch you put on the Celtic shirt and perform as a footballer.
“But you need to live well outside the pitch and that’s why I’m able to perform at a high level because I feel comfortable and I feel like I can improve.
“It’s a good environment at Celtic.”
His son William was born at the end of last season and then his fiancee Anne joined him by signing at Parkhead – for Celtic Women.
His family have followed him to Glasgow. Twin sister Alexandra works for Celtic Foundation and her partner Emil is employed by a bakery in the city.
There’s nothing like keeping it in the Celtic Family!
