The French Connection

Christopher Jullien is delighted to have signed for Celtic and join up again with a former team-mate and fellow countryman

AS Celtic’s first signing of the summer, Christopher Jullien’s arrival has been a welcome boost for the Hoops as their pre-season preparations continue.

Having trained with the team for just over a week now, the Frenchman can see why they have been so successful, and now he hopes to help Celtic navigate the unpredictable waters of UEFA Champions League qualifying.

Neil Lennon secured the services of the highly-rated central defender midway through Celtic’s pre-season camp in Austria and Switzerland, even flying out on his birthday to Paris to meet Jullien.

Two days later at Celtic Park, the 26-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

The highly-rated Toulouse defender had generated interest from top clubs throughout Europe, but he revealed his conversation with the Celtic manager convinced him to make the switch to Glasgow.

“I first heard of Celtic’s interest just before I went on holiday,” said Jullien in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “My agent told me they were interested in me, and I was really excited when I heard him say Celtic.

“I talked to the manager on his birthday. He came to Paris to meet me and we had a very good conversation. We talked about what he wanted from me, what he expected me to bring to the team, and everything about it was great. I loved the meeting with him and all I was thinking afterwards was that I couldn’t wait to start.