Celtic’s new arrival Nadir Ciftci says wearing the iconic number seven jersey will not weigh too heavily on his shoulders as the striker looks to hit the ground running.
The reigning Scottish champions signed the former Turkey Under-21 international on a four-year deal from Dundee United on Thursday for a fee believed to be around the £1.5million mark.
The 23-year-old scored 14 goals in 36 league appearances last season and has now been handed the legendary No.7 shirt at Celtic Park.
The likes of former Sweden international Henrik Larsson and Scotland’s Jimmy Johnstone have graced the coveted jersey and there is big pressure on Ciftci heading into the new campaign.
Ex-Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, Davie Provan, Johnny Doyle, Scott McDonald and Juninho are other notable names to have had No.7 on their back.
Ciftci appears calm despite all the expectation and the Turkish striker is looking forward to getting the new chapter of his career underway at Celtic.
“It’s my favourite number and I’ve worn it everywhere else,” he said. “I know what this number means to this club and the players that have worn it before so it’s an honour and pleasure for me to wear it here as well and I know what it is all about.
“It will be nice to have the pressure. You’ll always be remembered here especially if you do well and I’m here to do well and be remembered and do the best. It’s a pressure that’s put on me and I’ll just work for it.”
Defending champions Celtic are massive favourites to win the Scottish Premiership again this season at a price of 1.03 while Aberdeen are the next fancied for glory at 21.00.
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