Sunday 18 June 2017 14:33, UK
Celtic have completed the signing of winger Jonny Hayes from Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Scottish Premiership champions following five years at Aberdeen.
Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie has joined Aberdeen on a season-long loan as part of the deal that took Hayes to Celtic Park.
"This is a huge honour for me. It is a dream come true to be part of this brilliant football club and I can't wait to get started," Hayes told the club's website.
"I'm delighted. It's been in the pipeline for a little while now but I'm pleased to finally get here. I was eager to get it over the line for the last few weeks.
"Celtic have done well over the last few seasons and with the manager coming in last year he raised the level again. It was hard last year seeing all the celebrations and all the stuff on social media and you want that for yourself and to be part of it.
"Now it's my chance and hopefully, going forward, I can create my own little bit of history and take the chance I've been given."
Hayes, whose last goal for Aberdeen came in last month's Scottish Cup final defeat to Celtic, is already relishing the opportunity to test himself in next season's Champions League.
"I can't wait to get back training," Hayes said. "Once everything was signed off, I said to Tim Williamson (Celtic physio) that I was just looking forward to that first day in training and getting started.
"You can't get away from the Champions League. I can imagine it is the reason many players have wanted to come here. Not only is it the size and stature of the club, Champions League nights and the atmosphere are a massive factor in wanting to come here.
"Whether you're a football fan or not, everybody knows about the atmosphere of Champions League nights at Celtic Park. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a part of that."
Hayes began his career in Reading's academy but he never made a senior appearance for the Royals and signed for Leicester in 2007.
He struggled for game time at the Foxes and spent time on loan at Northampton and Macclesfield before joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a free transfer in 2009.
After three years in the Highlands he moved east to Aberdeen, for whom he has made over 200 appearances and scored 30 goals.
