Jordan Lotomba reveals what he learned about Celtic before completing Hoops move
The Switzerland international arrived at Parkhead from Feyenoord towards the end of the summer transfer window, adding another experienced option to Martin O’Neill’s defence.
And the 27-year-old is delighted to have joined the Scottish champions.
Lotomba said: “I’m really happy to be here, especially at a big club like Celtic. I’m really excited to get started.”
The full-back already knows what it is like to come up against Celtic after facing O’Neill’s side for Feyenoord in the Europa League last season.
Celtic ran out 3-1 winners at De Kuip thanks to goals from Yang Hyun-jun, Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren, with Lotomba getting a first-hand experience of the travelling Hoops support.
Reflecting on that encounter, he said: “It was a really intense game and I was very happy to be involved in it. Unfortunately, I was on the losing side, but you could see that it was a really big occasion.
“I already knew a little about Scottish supporters. I could really feel the passion of the Celtic fans that night, and that’s something I like.”
Lotomba arrives with plenty of experience at both domestic and European level, having won three consecutive Swiss titles with Young Boys before spells with Nice and Feyenoord.
He has also featured in both the Champions League and Europa League and believes his experience across different countries will help him settle quickly into life at Celtic.
He said: “I’ve had the opportunity to play in different countries and different leagues, as well as in the Champions League and the Europa League.
“Playing at the highest level over a number of years, and becoming more mature as a player, has taught me a lot and made me feel increasingly comfortable on the pitch.
“It was a great experience, and I’m very proud to have won those titles in Switzerland. That success also helped me earn the opportunity to move abroad.”
He added: “I know Celtic have the same mentality and are always competing to win titles and finish first.
“I think we share that same winning mentality, and that’s something I really like. My ambitions are to be at the top of the league, win as many matches as possible, and win trophies, because I’m a very competitive person.
“I’m also looking forward to experiencing the Scottish league because it looks like a very good and interesting competition. I’ve had the chance to speak to a few players who have played for Celtic, and they all told me about this legendary club.
“That has made me even more excited to be here.”
