Paulo Bernardo's Celtic transfer desire revealed as Brendan Rodgers explains long term appeal

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Paulo Bernardo's desire to join Celtic for keeps as a major factor in bringing him back.

The Portuguese midfielder has penned a five-year deal with the champions after helping them claim a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season while on loan from Benfica. A £3.4million deal was thrashed out with the Lisbon giants and now Bernardo is back in the Hoops ahead of their league opener at home to Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Rodgers said: “I am delighted that we have secured Paulo on this long-term contract. Paulo had a real desire to join us permanently, having had a great experience already at Celtic, and from our side we wanted to bring a quality player who has already made such an important contribution to the club. Paulo made a great impact for us at some real pivotal moments, delivering for us when he needed to for the team and we are sure that he can bring that same determination, ability and quality to us over the next number of years.

“He has been a popular figure in the dressing-room and I know the rest of the players will welcome him back warmly.”

Bernardo admits the move is a big step for him early in his career. But he got a first taste of silverware last season and is keen for more. He said: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career. I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the cup, so it was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too.

"I love the club, I love the fans and I love the city, too, so it’s very, very nice to be here again. I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games.

"Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute. They show that they