MOUSSA DEMBELE says Celtic's winning mentality makes it the ideal club for him to develop into a senior France international.
The striker signed a four-year deal with the Hoops yesterday after his contract with Fulham expired, having scored 17 times for the Championship club last season.
During his unveiling today, when he was handed the number 10 shirt, the France Under-20 international underlined that the draw of challenging for titles and playing in Europe was what took him to Celtic Park.
The 19-year-old hopes that a move north will see him develop into a senior French international.
“I try to work hard for the team and I’m a goalscorer so I like to score goals and to enjoy myself when I’m on the pitch," he said to Celtic TV.
“Playing for Fulham developed me a lot. I came over when I was 16 and at first I didn’t speak English or know a lot about English football, so I had to settle quickly in the team to progress, and I had a wonderful time there. Now I’m here and all I’m thinking about is Celtic.
“At my age I need to start winning games week in, week out. Celtic have given me this opportunity and it all starts from here.
“That’s why I chose Celtic because I knew if I came here I would have a winning mentality and I would try to win games week in, week out. It’s different to Fulham but as a football player you always want to win and Celtic is a team which is a winner.
“Hopefully playing in the Champions League and trying to win the league here will help me develop and if I develop at Celtic then I will hopefully play for my country. I’ve been watching them in the Euros and I hope they go far.”
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