Alexandro Bernabei on dream Celtic journey as new recruit hopes to follow in Diego Maradona's footsteps

Alexandro Bernabei admits it’s a dream to follow in the footsteps of Argentine icon Diego Maradona by charting a course to Europe. Celtic ’s new £3.75 million left-back is overjoyed at landing a switch from his native South America to Parkhead.

The 21-year-old officially sealed his transfer from Lanus on a five-year contract with Ange Postecoglou ’s squad. Bernabei now joins the likes of Lionel Messi as an Argentine currently based in Europe and hopes his dream move can one day see him into the senior international squad.

Maradona was, of course, a hero of the country when he led them to World Cup glory in 1986 having also been a favourite son of Italy and Spain following spells at Napoli and Barcelona. Bernabei had an opportunity to meet the great man before he passed away with a picture to prove it.

And, although the kid would never dream of being compared to a Maradona or a Messi, he hopes he can emulate the pair’s longevity and success in the European game.

Bernabei said: “First of all, he (Maradona) is a World Champion and I had a chance to meet him when there was a friendly between Lanus and Gimnasia.

“For me it was just really, really meaningful to be able to meet him. For my career and also for my life, for all Argentinians. I don’t think I’m at the stature of the best like Messi and Maradona. I wouldn’t make that comparison,

“However, I would really like to follow in their footsteps in terms of playing in Europe for as long as I can. It was a dream of mine to come and play in Europe

“For me, being the first Argentinian player at Celtic means I would like to open the door for a lot more Argentinian players to come to the club. I hope this will allow me one day to make another one of my dreams come true and