Alexandro Bernabei's Celtic inspiration as he reveals Diego Maradona factor behind transfer

New Celtic left-back Alexandro Bernabei has revealed how Diego Maradona played a big part in his thinking behind moving to Parkhead.

The 21-year-old has made his way through the youth system at boyhood club Lanus and now pens a long-term deal to become Celtic's first ever Argentine. His fee is reported to be in the region of £3.75 million and is one of two Hoops recruits this week, with Portuguese winger Jota also arriving from Benfica. It provides competition for Greg Taylor in the left-back position at Parkhead.

It's a big step for Bernabei, who has played at youth level for his country. The late Maradona is an icon around world football for his exploits on the international scene and in domestic waters with clubs like Italian outfit Napoli. He enhanced his already glowing reputation with a move to Europe from Boca Juniors to Barcelona. Maradona was also born in Lanus and Ange Postecoglou's latest recruit is one of many admirers.

Bernabei said of his inspiration: “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 Lionel Messi and Maradona. However, I would really like to follow in their footsteps in terms of playing in Europe for as long as I can.

"Being the first Argentinian at Celtic means I would like to open the door for a lot more Argentinian players to come to the club. My family and my friends will all know about Celtic.”