Nir excited by Celtic’s 2020 vision
FOOTBALL NIR Bitton has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Celtic until 2020.
The Israel midfielder, 24, was linked with a move to the Premier League but he has committed to the Scottish champions for five more years.
Bitton said: “As soon as I got a new offer I had no questions about signing. When you play for a club like Celtic you don’t think twice.
“It’s a huge club, has the best fans in the world and Celtic Park is one of the best stages in Europe soI’mjustdelightedtoextendmy stay here.”
Bitton joined Celtic from Ashdod in August 2013 and has cemented his place in the team, making 82 appearances.
He said: “Celtic is a special club and every time I go on to the pitch I get g o o s e b u mps . When the fans sing You’ll Never WalkAlone it’slike something from a dream and these kinds of things make my life easi- er and happier. I’m just delighted to stay here.
“I enjoy every minute at Celtic and my wife is very happy in Glasgow so there was never any need for change. This is where I want to be.”
Yossi Benayoun is taking legal action against a Maccabi Haifa fan following a Facebook post, which he claims is libelous.
If he wins, the former Israel skipper says he will donate £24,000 to charity. With Haifa struggling towards the bottom of Ligat Ha’Al, Benayoun has become an unpopular figure on the terraces.
In the fan’s message, Benayoun is accused of inciting players to rebel against manager Roni Levy, going behind Levy’s back to the club’s owner to complain about team selection and allegedly humiliating a young player who replaced him when he was dropped.
B e n a y o u n ’ s lawyer Roy Rosen wrote to the fan,: “My client has been exposed t o s h o c k i n g demonisation, slander and
lies.”