Celtic fan Massimo Donati delighted to join Hamilton Accies

Massimo Donati believes his previous experience of the Scottish game will be of huge benefit to his new club Hamilton Accies.

The former Celtic midfielder has signed a one-year contract at the SuperSeal Stadium after his deal ended with Italian club Bari.

Donati, who spent two years at Celtic Park following his move from AC Milan in 2007, was a big favourite with Hoops fans and guaranteed his place in the club's folklore after scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds of their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk the following year.

The 35-year-old, who had spells with Palermo and Verona after leaving Celtic, has retained a great affection for the Scottish champions and has a tattoo on his chest to prove his love for the club.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Donati said: "I was talking to a friend who lives here and he says there was an opportunity to train for one week with Hamilton.

"The week was good and I started talking with the gaffer (Martin Canning) to see if there was a chance to come here... and now I am here.

"I had two very good years here when I played for Celtic. It was a brilliant experience for me and maybe after a lot of years in Italy where I played in Serie A and Serie B it was time to leave and I think this is a good moment.

"I have played maybe 500 games in my career and I want to continue playing games and I know I can give my experience to the other guys."

On his time at Celtic, he added: "I always follow their results. I love the team because Celtic is not just a team, it is more than a team. I love it." 

Hamilton boss Canning, who suffered a broken cheekbone against Ayr United last week, is delighted to have landed a player of Donati's stature.

"It is a good signing for us," said the Accies player/manager. "Obviously Massimo has played at a high level throughout his whole career so hopefully coming here, he can add that experience to the team, which is something we are looking to do this year.

"If we can get a couple of experienced players to marry up with the youth, then hopefully we can have another successful season.

"He wanted to come here, which is really pleasing. His enthusiasm for football is great and he has looked after himself."