Alexandro Bernabei has been a name on the lips of Celtic fans for all the wrong reasons since his move from Lanus in 2022.
The Argentine has been the subject of transfer speculation as Bernabei looks like he is nearing a Celtic exit after spending a successful season on loan as Brazilain side, Internacional.
The 24-year-old defender struggled to make an impact at Celtic as Bernabei made just 28 appearances in the green and white Hoops since his bog move to Glasgow under Ange Postecolgou.
Now at the end of his loan deal, negotiations between Celtic and Internacional are still ongoing about a permanent move and whilst all that is going on, Bernabei has highlighted how he has improved away from Celtic and shares his Lionel Messi ‘dream’.
How Alexandro Bernabei’s ‘attitude’ change away from Celtic improved his fortunes
Bernabei told Argentine media outlet Olé, “I changed my attitude, my desire to improve every day when it was my turn. I got on well with my teammates and never stopped learning.
“The left-back position is a very popular one in Brazil. Coming to the Brasileirão helped me a lot because of the way the ball is played, and the full-backs up front. The vast majority of left-backs attack a lot.
“Here in the squad (at Inter) I’ve met players from the ‘hierarchy’ like Alan Patrick, Mercado, Rochet, Alario, Bustos who is now at River… All great players who have helped me.”
Bernabei’s claim about how Brazilian football’s attacking style suits his style is quite bizarre considering Celtic have been utilising that ever since he joined the club.
Maybe he should have just stopped when he said he changed his attitude.
Celtic’s Alexandro Bernabei’s Lionel Messi ‘dream’
Bernabei has also shared his ‘dream’ to play with the Argentina national squad which was something that was rumoured to be on the cards in his first season at Celtic.
“My dream is to play for the Argentina national team,” continued Bernabei, “I think there was an enquiry at the time (at Lanús) and every player has that dream and many see it as impossible.
“We have to keep working. If it has to happen, it will. It would be a dream to play in my country’s shirt. I don’t know Messi and I’d love to meet him. If it’s on the pitch, all the better.
“Left back is a difficult position, there aren’t many options. Those who are there (in the national team) Julio Soler, Colo Barco, Francisco Ortega were there for a reason. It’s a position that’s always in demand and I think there’s always a lot of competition, so I think I’m at the level to be able to compete.”
The Argentine has made 25 appearances for Internacional and was an ever-present in their starting lineup since the end of July last year.
After making a stuttering start in Brazil, Bernabei has proved to have become a firm favourite at the Brazilian Serie A side and, hopefully, a move can be negotiated to facilitate a permanent Celtic exit.
If Bernabei wants to realise his international ambitions, he will need to leave Celtic and continue his development elsewhere. With Rodgers seemingly on the cusp of bringing Kierney Tierney back to Celtic, it is clear that Bernabei’s future lies away from Paradise.
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