Celtic’s Ravi Ibrahim fulfils ambition to join the club

Celtic signing Rabiu Ibrahim: ‘I’ve wanted to join the club for a long time’

Raviu Ibrahim claimed he has fulfilled a personal ambition by joining Celtic after his move was officially completed today.

The Parkhead club have confirmed the transfer has now been rubber-stamped after the 20-year-old Nigerian was granted a work permit.

The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder says he has been aware of interest from the Hoops since 2010 and, now that he has sealed a switch to Glasgow on a three-and-a-half year deal, Ibrahim is confident he can only improve as a player at his new club.

He said: “I feel very happy and excited to be joining Celtic. I have wanted to join Celtic for a long time to develop myself.

“They were interested in me in 2010 when I was with Sporting Lisbon.

“I don’t know why that never happened but that was then and I’m happy now that I’m here at Celtic.

“The atmosphere here is great and the people are great. They are always nice to me and encouraging me so I already feel at home.

“The players have made me feel welcome and happy. It’s just like a big family here. They carry everybody along, and I’m happy with that.

“I’m delighted as Celtic are a big club – they like good players, produce good players and encourage and give the young players the opportunity to prove themselves and showcase their talents.

“I’m happy that I’m here and strongly believe that I will get the opportunity to prove myself and improve my game.”

Ibrahim convinced Neil Lennon to offer him a contract after impressing in a practice match against St Johnstone.

He added: “I felt very OK because I played as if I was with the team for a long time. I felt relaxed. The players are very good and talented so they made it easy for me. They know what to do at the right time and that’s why I played very well.

“I’m a creative player and a good passer who will create a lot of chances.

“But I’m also a hardworking player who will work for the team and I’m hoping to help the team win more trophies, starting this season.”

SPL leaders Celtic remain on course for a domestic treble this season and Ibrahim has targeted silverware with his new team.

He told Celtic’s official website: “I love the way the club plays football – they play passing, attacking football and try to win every game.

“They want to be on top always and win so many trophies and they are still fighting to win trophies this season and I want to be there among the players when they do that.”