PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Vasilis Barkas is delighted to have signed for Celtic and can’t wait to play at Paradise again

- PAUL CUDDIHY

JOINING Celtic was an easy decision for Vasilis Barkas to make. He knew he was joining a team that wins trophies and aims to compete at the highest level in Europe every season, and having gained a league winner’s medal from his four years with AEK Athens, the 26-year-old wants to see his collection grow during his time in Scotland.

When he became aware of Celtic’s interest in him, it helped, too, that he already had experience of playing at Paradise, and already knew the size of the club and the passion of its support.

That experience came back in 2018 when Celtic played AEK in a Champions League qualifier, and the goalkeeper helped his side knock the Hoops out of the competition.

Now that he’s here, having signed a four-year contract with Neil Lennon’s side, Barkas is excited for the season ahead. He knows already just how important it is to the club and its supporters.

“I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream to come to one of the biggest teams in Europe, and I can’t wait to play for Celtic,” Barkas told the Celtic View. “Winning medals and trophies is why I came here. I want to win 10 in-a-row, and I want to help us get into the Champions League. That’s what I want.

“The manager spoke to me about the club, the pressure here and that he wants us to be champions again. That’s one of the reasons I came here, and I think that him and I have a very good relationship so far.”

When Barkas and his AEK team-mates faced Celtic in Glasgow back in August 2018, they secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third round qualifier.