MX23RW : Monday, May 6 16:46:44| >> :600:179958:179958:

Diego Laxalt insists his "head and heart" are at Celtic ahead of Milan reunion

The Uruguay international has signed on loan for the Scottish champions from their Europa League opponents.

Diego Laxalt insists his allegiances are now at Celtic after joining the Parkhead club on a season-long loan from AC Milan.

The 27-year-old from Montevideo, who plays on the left-hand side, has been capped 24 times for Uruguay and will be the first player from his country to play for the Parkhead side.

Celtic face AC Milan in their first Europa League group stage game later in the month.

Laxalt can play in the match and speaking through an interpreter at Celtic Park, he said his focus was now on the Hoops.

"It is a coincidence that they were drawn in the same group but I am very happy to be here," said the former Genoa player.

"It is a great opportunity.

"It doesn't really matter who the opposition is as my head and heart is now at Celtic and I can't wait to play and show what I can do.

"I know that Celtic are well known all over the world because of all the trophies they have won, the club has a lot of followers and it is a great atmosphere here.

"It is a history of a great club.

"I looked up to see if there was another Uruguayan player for Celtic but I couldn't find anyone and then I was told I was the first Uruguayan player and that makes me very happy and I hope to leave a great image of my country here at this great club.

"The first thing for me is to start training and getting to know everybody here at Celtic and the other players.

"I am looking to achieve all the objectives and I will give my maximum effort while I am playing.

"I hope to have a great season this season and obviously win titles as well but that requires a lot of work."

Celtic's first game after the international break is against Rangers at Parkhead and Laxalt, who played in the 2018 World Cup for Uruguay, is ready for an Old Firm debut.

He said: "Yes, I learned that is the next match and I cannot wait to play any match for Celtic.

"I have heard of the history of that game, that they are rivals and I am really looking forward to playing in that game and looking forward to a good result as well."

Laxalt also looks forward to meeting up again with midfielder Olivier Ntcham, whom he played alongside at Genoa.

He said: "I played with him for two years and I was happy to learn he is here.

"I cannot wait to see him again and play with him again. Olivier is a great player and a great person as well."

ID:417421: cacheID:417421:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3767:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Livingston manager Gary Holt pictured in August 2020
Read Next:
Livingston, Ross County complete deadline day deals
>
Read more about Diego Laxalt Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic220085275884
2RangersRangers220078255381
3Hearts20114637963
4Kilmarnock20114438652
5St Mirren21014246-446
6Dundee20024659-1341
Relegation Group
1Hibernian21014854-642
2Aberdeen22003749-1241
3Motherwell21015053-340
4Ross County21013459-2533
5St Johnstone20022550-2531
RLivingston21012563-3821
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
RLivingston3339212259-3718


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!