Samaras swaps City for Celtic

Giorgios Samaras has signed a three-year deal with Scottish champions Celtic FC.

Successful loan
The 23-year-old Greece striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic from English Premiership side Manchester City FC and scored six goals in all competitions as Gordon Strachan's side secured a third consecutive Scottish title. Samaras was part of Otto Rehhagel's squad at UEFA EURO 2008™, making one appearance from the substitutes bench in Greece's 2-0 loss to Sweden in Group D.

'I wanted to stay'
"I wanted to stay here, Celtic wanted to keep me here and both sides are happy with this transfer," said Samaras. "Last season was four really enjoyable months for me and a great experience in both the Scottish Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. We finished in the best possible way, winning the championship and I am really proud of what we achieved. It was the best moment of my career so far and I am really happy that I have signed here and I hope that more good moments come for both me and the club."

Second signing
Former City manager Stuart Pearce paid €7.5m for Samaras when he joined from SC Heerenveen in January 2006, but it is understood that Celtic paid substantially less for the striker who had also attracted attention from Feyenoord and Werder Bremen. He becomes Strachan's second signing of the summer following the arrival of winger Pat McCourt from Derry City FC. The club have also signed 16-year-old defender Matt Hughes from English fourth tier club Rochdale FC on a three-year deal. Celtic will compete in the group stage of the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League.