Paulo Bernardo returns to Celtic on a five-year deal from Benfica

Celtic have confirmed the permanent signing of Paulo Bernardo from Benfica on a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old Portuguese midfielder previously spent a successful loan season with Celtic, making 33 appearances and playing a role in the club’s league and Scottish Cup victories.

Bernardo scored four goals, including a decisive strike in a 2-1 Glasgow derby win last December. In the Scottish Cup final, his crucial play led to the winning goal.

Bernardo has rejoined his teammates at Lennoxtown, as Celtic prepare for their Premiership opener against Kilmarnock this Sunday at Celtic Park.

In an interview with Celtic TV, Bernardo expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career. I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the cup, so it was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too. I love the club, I love the fans and I love the city, too, so it’s very, very nice to be here again.”

He added, “I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games. Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute."

"They show that they love the club and I think they really like me too, so I love them. I trained this pre-season with Benfica so I’m fit, I did my own work at home to be even fitter so I’m ready. I want to become champion again and I think we can do that again, and I’m very excited to be here.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised Bernardo’s return: “I am delighted that we have secured Paulo on this long-term contract. Paulo had a real desire to join us permanently, having had a great experience already at Celtic, and from our side we wanted to bring a quality player who has already made such an important contribution to the club."

"Paulo made a great impact for us at some real pivotal moments, delivering for us when he needed to for the team and we are sure that he can bring that same determination, ability and quality to us over the next number of years. He has been a popular figure in the dressing-room and I know the rest of the players will welcome him back warmly.”

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