New Bhoy Josip Juranovic has been given the number 88 at Celtic, and has explained why he’s so excited to join the club.
Juranovic’s signing was announced on Saturday, with him being officially unveiled today and given the famous shirt number [Celtic FC]. Capped 10 times by Croatia, the Euro 2020 star undoubtedly brings quality and experience to the Celtic defence.
Coming off the back of a fantastic farewell to Legia Warsaw, Juranovic comes at a fortuitous time. While personally, he may have a struggle winning the right-back spot off a resurgent Anthony Ralston, he’s coming to an exciting, attacking team, scoring goals for fun.
The Croatian right-back told Celtic’s in-house media [Celtic FC]:
“Celtic are a big club and it was a big opportunity for me.
“I want to see myself on this stage and I want to give everything here.
“I’m a team player, I want to show my ability in defending, but also crossing, assisting, running, pushing, and giving everything to win the game.
“I’ve watched the games this season and the team look really good. I like the manager’s style of attacking football and the fact that every player plays in the opposing team’s half. I’m really looking forward to playing in this system.”
On scoring screamers, like his goal against Slavia Prague last week, Juranovic added [Celtic FC]:
“I received the ball on the halfway line and saw the space, I ran into it and after a few seconds I thought about having a shot.
“I didn’t believe I’d scored at first but after about five seconds I was really happy. You can see my celebration was a total disaster, but I really enjoyed the moment.
“[Can he score more?] I hope so!”
Juranovic sounds excited to get going at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou
This is a coup for Celtic, by the way.
After just one season at Legia Warsaw, Juranovic has become a mainstay for a talented Croatia team. Taking the mantle from previous greats like Darijo Srna, and keeping Sime Vrsajlko out of that team takes some doing.
Domestically, he’s been excellent, too. Legia Warsaw won the Polish top-flight last season, with Juranovic setting up 8 goals [Transfermarkt]. That’s pretty considerable attacking output from a right-back.
And, as an attacking threat, it’s only natural that he’s excited to be a part of what Postecoglou is building at Celtic. In Scottish Premiership competition, the Bhoys have been camped in the opposition’s half for the majority of contests thus far.
It’s great to hear Juranovic talk about joining the Hoops. Donning the famous 88, he has the potential to be an excellent signing, at tremendous value, for Celtic.
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