SNS GroupCeltic have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist from Dundee United.
The 30-year-old, who played 29 league games as the Tannadice club finished fourth last season, has signed a four-year-deal at the Scottish champions.
He will come in initially as backup to Joe Hart who was handed the number one jersey for the season ahead last week following the departure of Vasilis Barkas.
Speaking to Celtic TV after signing the deal Siegrist, who will wear the number 31 jersey, said: “It feels amazing, it’s a very proud feeling to be here, and I’m really, really excited. I can’t wait to get going and meet the staff, the players, and, ultimately play for this football club.
“I had a phone call from the manager, he hung up the phone and I think people just knew straight away that something good was happening. It was a very proud moment in my career,
“To be here and be representing the football team, the colours, the city and everything, it’s a hugely proud moment, and everything I’ve always wanted to be – at a top environment, at a top team and it simply can’t get any better than this.”
Looking back to previous performances against his new team-mates, he said: “Of course you know you’re going to be busy playing against such a talented side and international players so I was never short of motivation. And to be here and competing now for Celtic is just amazing.
“You’re never short of motivation when you play against the best, and ultimately I want to play before the best and compete against the best.
“So, obviously coming here and playing here is a different vibe, it’s a different stadium and it can be too big for you, but I’ve always enjoyed the big occasions and that’s something I want to bring here as well.”
Siegrist spent four years at Dundee United before his contract expired at the end of last month allowing him to join the Hoops as a free agent.
Ange Postecglou said: “I am really pleased to welcome Ben to Celtic and we look forward to working with him. I have had really positive discussions with him.
“I know he is hugely enthusiastic about this opportunity and also that he is someone who will add real competition to our goalkeeping position.
‘We all saw last season the ability that Ben has, as time and again he delivered fantastic performances.’
“He is a really talented keeper with the ambition to always work, to develop himself further and to achieve success and I think in signing Ben we have made a very important addition to our squad.”
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