Moussa Dembele says Brendan Rodgers key to Celtic move
Wednesday 29 June 2016 13:51, UK
Moussa Dembele says Brendan Rodgers played a big part in his decision to join Celtic.
The teenage striker, who was a free agent after leaving Fulham, chose the Scottish champions over "a few other options" and has signed a four-year deal.
Celtic first made contact with Dembele in January, when a proposed move to Tottenham fell through and Ronny Deila was still in charge in Parkhead.
The Norwegian made way for Rodgers at the end of the season, and Dembele said: "When you have a manager like Brendan who talks to you about the club and who convinces you to come, it's a massive thing.
"He told me about the club, about what he wanted to do with me in the future, and I was happy with that. Brendan is a very big manager and I can't wait to work with him."
The lure of Celtic extends beyond the manager, though, according to the 19-year-old.
"I had a few offers but I didn't have the same one I had with Celtic in terms of football," he said. "I think it's the best place for me to be.
"I signed for Celtic because it's a massive club in Europe. I want to play in the Champions League and I think I can do this here. It would be special.
"As a young boy you always dream of playing in the Champions League. We have a chance to do that this season. It's up to us, we have to win the qualifiers.
"I want to score goals, I'm a striker. I want to score goals and win trophies because Celtic is a club that wins trophies.
"I came to Celtic to improve. I was in the Championship and I've come to the Scottish Premiership. I see my future here and hopefully I can score a lot of goals for the club and win many trophies.
"Last season I watched a lot of Scottish football. I know the club well, and the unbelievable fans. It's one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I can't wait to start."
