Brozek: I’ll be as big as Boruc!
PAWEL BROZEK will use Hoops hero Artur Boruc as his role model as he seeks to become the next big Polish personality at Celtic.
The 28-year-old striker joined the Hoops on loan from Turkish club Trabzonspor until the end of the season, with the Parkhead men having the option to make the move permanent. Brozek is aware of just how popular his colourful international team-mate Boruc became during his five years at Celtic Park between 2005 and 2010.
And the former Wisla Krakow player is aiming to make a similar impact.
“It’s hard to beat such a club legend who the fans respect so much and who was such a hero, but obviously it’s something to aspire to,” said Brozek.
“We’re a bit different, but I know him well from the national team and I always respected him when we played together.
“The presence of other Poles who have been at the club influenced my decision.
Pleasure
“Lukasz Zaluska is here and of course there has been Maciej Zurawski and Artur Boruc, who I spoke to.”
The capture of Brozek has been seen as a transfer coup by Hoops boss Neil Lennon after the player was also targeted by Old Firm rivals Rangers.
However, the Pole was not keen on giving the Ibrox speculation any more air time.
Asked why he chose Celtic over Rangers, he replied: “Celtic were very determined to sign me so I never had any hesitation when they came in for me.
“It’s a very popular club with great players so I had no doubts about coming here.
“It was a pleasure that Celtic were interested in me. This was the only offer that counted.
“I’m very happy that I made it to the club and I will do everything to make sure I give as good a performance as possible.”
Hungry
When asked if there had been interest from Rangers, he said: “Not officially.”
Lennon hopes this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine will inspire his latest recruit to hit the ground running at Parkhead.
But Brozek insists his only aim is to find a place in a Celtic side which has Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper in free-scoring mood, with 33 goals between them this season.
“I’m a hungry player but I’m not thinking about the national team at the moment,” added Brozek.
“My main task is to fight for a place in the starting 11 at Celtic.
“If I manage to do that then I can start thinking about getting a place at the European Championships.”