Badr El Kaddouri is delighted to have finally arrived at Celtic, with the Bhoys having snapped him up following a lengthy chase.
Moroccan full-back cannot wait to get started
Badr El Kaddouri is delighted to have finally arrived at Celtic, with the Bhoys having snapped him up following a lengthy chase.
The Morocco international completed a switch to Parkhead on transfer deadline day, with Neil Lennon getting his man more than 12 months after first identifying him as a target.
El Kaddouri insists he would have moved to Scotland sooner had a deal been put in place, with it having been his dream for some time to try his luck in British football.
He has now been given that opportunity and admits he cannot wait to get his first taste of life at an Old Firm giant.
"My agent first told me over a year ago there was interest from Celtic," the 30-year-old full-back told the
Daily Record.
"Had it been concrete then I wouldn't have hesitated to move. You don't need to do any research when you have the chance to sign for a club like Celtic.
Excited
"It's all in the name and the history of the club - they are one of the most famous in Europe.
"When my agent spoke again with me a few weeks ago and Celtic became another option I was really excited.
"We had discussions back and forward but then it all happened so quickly on the last day of the transfer window. I didn't have time to think.
"I've always loved football and grew up in the streets of Casablanca where there's real passion for the game.
"That is why going to Scotland appeals to me. I know the fans there live for the game and have real pride in their team. It's a football nation.
Passionate
"I've not had a chance to see Celtic Park yet but I know already from having watched some of their games on the TV how amazing it is.
"I've seen Celtic play Champions League matches at home and it is incredible to see 60,000 supporters getting behind their team the way they do. I want to play in that environment and for those fans.
"I'm used to passionate fans. I started out at Wydad Casablanca and their derby matches with Raja Casablanca are something else.
"You look around the stadium and it's a sea of red and white. It makes you proud to play for your club.
"People talk about the Milan derby being extra special but for me the two biggest derbies in the world are the Casablanca and the Old Firm.
"I can't wait to show off my pride at signing for Celtic. The one thing I want to tell all Celtic fans is I will give everything I've got in my heart to try to succeed in Scotland and help the club win the title."
