Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
New Celtic keeper says there’s no pressure as he targets 10-in-a-row
VASILIS Barkas insists he feels no pressure after becoming Celtic’s most expensive goalkeeper with his transfer from AEK Athens.
The 26-year-old, who has been capped 10 times by Greece, joined the Scottish champions on a four-year deal with the fee widely reported to be between £4.5 million and £5 million, with the potential for add-ons.
However, Barkas, who could go straight into Neil Lennon’s side for the Premiership opener at home to Hamilton on Sunday, is relaxed about his price tag.
He said: “I don’t feel pressure about this. It is normal for prices to go up and up.
“I am an international player, so I think it is normal. I don’t feel pressure, I think I can play for Celtic.”
Barkas has already played at Celtic Park when AEK took on the Hoops in the third qualifying round of the Champions League in 2018. Lennon had been looking for a goalkeeper following the return of Fraser Forster to Southampton, after a loan spell at Parkhead, and the departure of Craig Gordon to Hearts.
Barkas is aware of the significance of this season as the Hoops look to win a 10th successive title.
He said: “I know it is a very big club and I know of its history and when I played against Celtic I remember the atmosphere, something totally different from Greece.
“I have come here for the 10th in a row, I come to take the championship again and I can’t wait for it.
“I know how important this season is but it is not only 10 in a row, we are Celtic so we must win every challenge.
“The manager told me about the club and what he wants this year, what he expects from me so I am ready to show that I am ready to play for this club.”