Celtic switch thrills Hinkel
Friday, January 4, 2008
Article summary
Celtic FC have confirmed the signing of Sevilla FC full-back Andreas Hinkel on a three-and-a-half year contract - much to the delight of the German international.
Article body
Celtic FC have confirmed the signing of Sevilla FC defender Andreas Hinkel on a three-and-a-half year contract. The Scottish champions are believed to have paid an initial €2.5m for the former VfB Stuttgart full-back who has 17 caps for Germany.
'Great club'
"I am delighted to sign for Celtic Football Club and am really looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates," said Hinkel, who is ineligible to play in Celtic's UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against FC Barcelona having appeared for Sevilla during the group stage. "Celtic is a great club with a great history, having achieved such success at home and in Europe. Having already played against Celtic in [the UEFA Cup] I am well aware of the magnificent stadium and wonderful passionate support which the club enjoys."
Strachan delight
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan added: "We are delighted to complete this signing. Andreas is someone who we have been looking at for some time and we are pleased to have finally got him to Celtic. We are sure he has all the qualities to be a great success at the club."
