One of Celtic’s newest recruits has revealed that he was desperate to play in the green and white hoops after being sold on it by Matt O’Riley. Moritz Jenz has insisted he was always looking to sign for Ange Postecoglou’s side after interest in him last summer when he was playing in Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport.
When his childhood mate from the Fulham academy, Matt O’Riley, became a player at Parkhead the towering defender was itching to join the ranks. In his first interview with Celtic TV, Moritz said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be here. It’s been a dream for me since last year because I really wanted to come here, and finally the dream has come true to play for a massive club, so I’m really happy to be here.
“Since last year, I’ve been in touch with Matt O’Riley who’s been my best mate since we were younger and played together at Fulham, and he told me a lot of great things. He texted me immediately after he signed, telling me it would be nice to have me here. I’ve followed the season and how it went, and obviously it went really well for Celtic because they won the league.
“It’s always good to have a friend and someone who can help you to settle in very quickly, and I’ve also met the lads today and they seem like a good group of people, very open, very nice, so I’m looking forward to work, and working hard and getting as far as possible with the team this season and achieve great things.”
Jenz also stated his main attributes and what the fans can expect from him for thr season ahead. He added: “I’m a hardworking player, someone who is physical and aggressive, and who likes to play. Fans can expect me to give everything to the club to achieve the highest targets. That’s what I’m here to do. It’s very exciting. Obviously, every player’s dream is to play for a big team and to compete for the biggest trophies and competitions, so I’m looking forward to it, I want to finish as high as possible in every competition.
“I would love to have played tomorrow, but things have been a bit busy today, so I will train this week and then join with the team on Friday and be ready for the match at the weekend.”
It seems as if the German centre-back was destined to play for the Hoops one day as Matt O’Riley isn’t his only Celtic connection within the game. Peter Grant was his coach at Craven Cottage and he regailed him with stories of his playing days in Scotland at Celtic Park and the tales of fellow German, Andreas Thom. He finished: “At Fulham my coach was Peter Grant, who was a big player at Celtic – and I used to listen to all the stories he told me of when he played – he played with Andy Thom, who was also here.
“So I always had an eye for it – a special club with a special logo, a special shirt and a special history, so there was always a desire to one day play for this club. I think maybe it’s destiny – I hope so.”
Watch Moritz discuss his excitement at joining the Champions:
Paul Gillespie
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