Samaras joins Celtic permanently

Its official that Greek striker Georgios Samaras has signed a three-year contract with Scottish champions Celtic.

The 23-year old impressed Gordon Strachan when he was on loan from Manchester City last season. Samaras scored six goals, although he failed to break up the first-choice strike partnership of Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

According to BBC Sports, Samaras said the influence of boss Gordon Strachan and Celtic’s “family atmosphere” had persuaded him to stay.

“Celtic are one of the best teams in Europe, with a very distinguished football manager,” he told Celtic’s official website.

“His unique way and unconditional desire to see me in his squad persuaded me to sign for the club.”

Stoke, Hull City, Lazio, Besiktas, Feyenoord and Werder Bremen were also reported to have been interested in securing his servives.

[Source: BBC Sport].