I’m one of the best in world now I’m in Paradise
VASILIS BARKAS believes he has become one of the world’s elite goalkeepers after signing for Celtic. And the Greek star is now determined to prove himself the best after completing his £5.5million move from AEK Athens, starting on Sunday against Hamilton at the beginning of the club’s bid for 10 in a row. Barkas completed the formalities on his four-year deal and immediately set
his sights on domestic and European glory.
The 26-year-old, who has 10 caps, feels his status has already been elevated just by the fact he has moved to join such a prestigious club.
Barkas claims being the Celtic No.1 will put him in the bracket of the globe’s finest and he’s determined to prove himself worthy of the tag by justifying the faith of boss Neil Lennon.
He said: “When you are the best goalkeeper at Celtic, then you are also automatically one of the best in Europe and in the world.
“It’s one of the biggest teams in the world so you become one of the biggest goalkeepers.
“I want to stay here a long time, a lot of years, and to become the best.
“I feel ready to take the next step. I feel very good that my next step is to a bigger team and Celtic is a very good step to help me make my career even bigger and better.
“I’m happy to be here. It’s a dream to come to one of the biggest teams in Europe and I can’t wait to play for Celtic. I’m so excited and can’t wait to play my first game.”
Barkas has assured Lennon that, if he chooses him to start against Hamilton, he’s ready to go.
The former Atromitos ace is adamant it will not take him long to settle in.
Barkas played for AEK after the resumption of
Greek football from lockdown and insists he’s undaunted by the prospect of stepping straight into the position within days of his arrival.
He said: “I think with two more days training, yes I can play. I don’t feel pressure or something like that.
“Even in AEK, I don’t feel pressure. I’m working every day to do my job just like my team-mates, so I don’t feel anything extra.
“I feel comfortable with this and I want to do my job, keep clean sheets and help my team to win.”
Barkas also insists the high stakes of the upcoming term are no additional burden.
Lennon has already laid the importance of this the potentially-historic charge to 10 on the line to the Greek international as well as outlining the club’s deep desire to get back into the group stage of the Champions League, having not dined at the top table since 2017/18.
But Barkas reckons it’s natural to have high expectations and insists he’ll thrive under them.
He said: “I know already how big this season is. I spoke with the coach and other guys in the team told me but it is important every year at Celtic.
“They are the biggest team, so every year they want the championship. I want to win 10 in-a-row and help us get into the Champions League. That’s what I want.”