kayal: i'm proud to wear the hoops

Paul Cuddihy
BERAM Kayal has dreamt about pulling on the green and white Hoops for a long time. Now, having put pen to paper on a four-year deal, he can’t wait to fulfil his ambition.

The 22-year-old Israeli internationalist has joined Celtic from Maccabi Haifa and he becomes Neil Lennon’s SEVENTH signing of the summer.

Speaking at a press conference at the club’s Lennoxtown Training Centre today (Thursday), he said: “This is a very big move for me, it is a dream come true.

“Last week, during the discussions I could not sleep, I couldn’t wait to be where I am now.

“When you say Celtic, you think it is a big name, it’s a big community and it’s a big city. It is one of the best clubs in the world and I’m happy to play for them.

“Who hasn’t heard about Celtic? Not knowing about Celtic is not normal, everybody has heard of Celtic. In Israel people give a lot of respect to this name, Celtic is a huge team.”

Kayal, a midfielder who has been capped 13 times for Israel, is determined to play his part in helping the Hoops bring some silverware back to Paradise.

And he’s looking forward to playing at Celtic Park in front of a home crowd renowned throughout the footballling world.

“I’m excited and I am just thinking about the minute I go on to the pitch and play for the Celtic fans,” he said. “I am a hard worker and I can’t wait to get started.

“I am a player who gives everything, every time. I play for the fans and I play for the manager. I was like this at every club I have played at before and this attitude fits everywhere.”