NEW Bhoy Sead Haksabanovic revealed there was only one team for him when he knew Celtic were interested.
The 23-year-old Montenegro international winger cost Rubin Kazan £5.4million when he joined from IFK Norrkoping in July last year, but it was clear after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine he would not be returning.
Haksabanovic played for Djurgardens on loan during the second half of the season and the club wanted to make the move permanent for the Sweden-born forward.
AT THE MIC…Sead Haksabanovic reveals his ambitions at Celtic. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
However, when Ange Postecoglou displayed as interest, the versatile frontman had only one destination in mind and that was the Scottish champions, as CQN reported almost two weeks ago.
And the 28 times-capped attacker knew he had made the right decision as he had a ringside seat at Tannadice to watch his new team demolish Dundee United by the record-breaking scoreline of 9-0 at the weekend.
Haksabanovic, who has not played since the end of last term, said: “I spoke to the manager and the plan he has looked very good for me.
“To be here is a dream come true at one of the biggest clubs in the world with the fans and its history.
“Before Celtic came into the picture, I had some clubs, but when I heard Celtic wanted me I told my agent this is where I want to be and there was no thinking, I just wanted to come here.
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME…Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates his first-half hat-trick against Dundee United.
“When I saw them play against Dundee United, my only thought was that I want to be there, scoring, making assists and dribbling because the way we played is beautiful and I want to play in that.”
Haksabanovic, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “It’s a big challenge for me to get into the team, but I’m here for it and I will work hard for it.
”Before signing I was waiting at home and I was training by myself and running around thinking about here and starting at Celtic.
“I’ve heard from the players and they all say it’s amazing, it’s a thing you can’t see in another stadium, so this is just a unique feeling to be here and it’s amazing.
“I’m staying in my hotel right now and I’m just thinking of the atmosphere here and going out to play.
“It’s a dream come true to be playing in the biggest tournament in the world, so it will be amazing.”
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME…Liel Abada celebrates his second-half hat-trick at Tannadice.
Haksabanovic is unlikely to start against Ross County in the Premier Sports League Cup encounter against Ross County in Dingwall tomorrow night and then it will be Postecoglou’s decision whether or not to give him the opportunity to join the squad and sample the atmosphere of the Glasgow derby at Parkhead on Saturday.
In the whirlwind period of three games in seven days in three different trophies, European masters Real Madrid are next up as the Hoops kick off their Champions League with the opening game in Group F a week tonight.
Welcome to life as a Celtic player, Sead!
