6,000 to 60,000
New recruit Bernabei has recruited some new fans for Celtic from village of Correa
ALEXANDRO BERNABEI was brought up in a village of 6000 residents.
And the Argentine revealed the entire population are already fans of Ange Postecoglou’s team after his arrival at Parkhead.
The new Celtic star is thrilled to make them all proud.
At just 21 years old, Bernabei admits he’s fulfilling a lifetime dream by joining the Hoops.
His signing of a five-year deal means he’s the first individual from his country to move to the club.
Bernabei is thrilled to have made the jump – as much for how it will make the people of Correa feel as for his own career.
He said: “I grew up in a small village of 6000 people in the province of Santa Fe. The name of the town was Correa.
“There weren’t a lot of chances in the village, especially as we didn’t leave the village.
“But then I moved to Lanus and that’s when I had my opportunity to play football.
“Yes, there were other choices in the village. My grandfather used to take me to football from three years old because I was very energetic. I would not sleep well at night.
“Obviously, especially if a guy like me comes from such a small village, it really makes the people proud when one of us has success.
“Especially my family, what I do makes them proud and that’s important to me.
“My family and my friends will all know about Celtic.
“They have all started following me with this news.
“All 6000 people in the village are now going to be Celtic fans.” Bernabei confesses it was always a dream of his to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious countrymen and earn a deal in Europe.
The youngster didn’t know during his formative years it would be in Scotland with Celtic.
But the defender is thrilled to be offered this crack and can’t wait to get going.
Bernabei said: “The first thought I had when I heard about interest was I was very hopeful it was something that was going to come to fruition.
“I didn’t need to speak to anyone. The transfer was going to happen and I’d already made up my mind that I was going to come here regardless.
“It was a dream of mine to come and play in Europe. It’s happened that I come to a big club, a huge club like Celtic, so I didn’t think twice. Family and friends was not an issue.
“It opens the door to other players from other nationalities to come here and play because it is a huge club.”
Bernabei arrives with a lofty reputation. Surging through the ranks at Lanus in the Argentinian top flight, his outstanding form was spotted by Postecoglou’s recruitment staff.
He didn’t grow up basing himself on any footballing idols
but added: “When I started watching football, I really wanted to be like Marcelo of Real Madrid.
“Of course I would like to join the attack but also be defensive because that is also needed.
“We have a full month of pre-season, so physically I will be OK. Nothing really intimidates me about the game.
“The fans are going to see a kind of player that’s aggressive, that has a lot of personality, who always gives his best for the team and will defend the Celtic players.
“I like and I also do well in that (Celtic) style, so I’m going to learn a lot and grow as a player.”
Postecoglou has already outlined his trust in talks ahead of Bernabei’s signing.
With Adam Montgomery and Liam Scales having departed the scene for St Johnstone and Aberdeen respectively, Bernabei is set to be in direct competition with Scotland international Greg Taylor for the left-back slot. The Argentine is up for the test and said: “I spoke to the manager, he said he believed in me and my quality.
“He also said that I can adapt to the team quickly.
“He made me feel very comfortable. I am very grateful to him and the club.”
For Bernabei, the doors to the biggest matches and stadiums in the game have now opened with his opportunity to play in the Champions League.
The youngster could face compatriots such as Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria in the biggest club competition with Celtic straight into the group stage come September.
But he said: “Champions League is a huge competition, so whether it’s PSG or another club, for me it’s just unbelievable coming from a small town in Correa in Argentina. It’s just a dream come true.
“From what I’ve seen and heard, there’s about 60,000 people in the stadium. I can’t wait to feel that adrenalin and atmosphere and what it’s like to play in front of those fans.
“I’ve heard that the people are crazy, so I can’t wait to sense that feeling in Celtic Park.”
The first job, however, will be the retention of their Premiership title.
The Champions League offers prestige for players and finance to the club’s money men, although the bread and butter of the domestic game has major significance.
Bernabei is happy to accept the challenges that’ll be set in his debut season.
He said: “First of all, I’d like to become champion of Celtic – and anything else I can win for the club.
“After that, enjoy all the years I have at the club.”