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Transfer news: Stefan Scepovic insists Celtic was always his first choice

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New Celtic striker Stefan Stepovic insists he always wanted to sign for the Scottish champions, despite reports he had stalled the move.

New Celtic signing Stefan Scepovic is looking to the future after insisting Parkhead was always his first-choice destination.

Scepovic faces a battle to win over some Celtic fans who were unhappy with his behaviour following an apparent transfer U-turn over his move from Sporting Gijon.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell revealed he had been told on Sunday night that Scepovic did not want to come to the club despite agreeing a deal, passing a medical and securing a work permit.

The 24-year-old subsequently held talks with Getafe but a deal fell through, reportedly because of Spanish financial fair play rules, and the Celtic transfer was back on.

I never said that I don't want to come. In all transfers you have some problems but I don't want to look at what happened before. I just want to look at the future.
Stefan Scepovic on his protracted move to Celtic

But, as he was unveiled as a Celtic player in Glasgow, he said: "I never said that I don't want to come. In all transfers you have some problems but I don't want to look at what happened before. I just want to look at the future.

"My first option was always Celtic and I'm very happy that I'm here. The most important thing is that we finished everything.

"In one hour everything can change but I always said I wanted to come here and I'm sitting here now."

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Just talking

When asked more about how close he got to signing for Getafe and why he ended up in Glasgow, Scepovic said: "It was just talking, nothing more."

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When asked if he thought he faced additional pressure to win round the fans, he said: "My first choice was always Celtic. I will work hard and do everything on the field to prove I can play here."

The Serbia international added: "Celtic is a big club with a lot of history and we can do a lot more things with very good fans. I know everything about the club.

"I have seen some games on the TV and I know Celtic is a big club."

Scepovic comes in following the departures of Teemu Pukki and Amido Balde on loan deals. His 6' 1" frame and reputed aerial ability will offer manager Ronny Deila another option to Leigh Griffiths and Anthony Stokes.

He said: "I don't like to speak about me but I will try to bring something different. We will see on the pitch, I will do my talking on the park.

"I like balls into space and movement but I need to come into the team and do what the coach says."

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