Luis Palma says he only had eyes for Celtic after revealing Rangers interest
The winger could make his debut against the Ibrox side on Sunday
Last updated 31st Aug 2023
Celtic new boy Luis Palma claims that he rebuffed Rangers to sign for the Parkhead club.
The Honduras winger signed a five-year deal with the Scottish champions this week from Greek club Aris and could make his debut in the Old Firm game at Ibrox on Sunday.
Speaking through an interpreter at Celtic Park, after the Champions League draw saw the Hoops put into the same group as Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid and Lazio, the 23-year-old spoke about his move and said: "My agent told me that there was contact from Rangers but when I knew of Celtic's interest, I wanted to come here and I am happy to be here.
"If I am chosen (for Sunday) I am prepared. It is a great match and I want to participate in it. From what I have heard they are very exciting and close run matches.
"It is a derby and like all derbies you have to win and that is the most important thing."
Meanwhile, another of the Hoops' summer signings, defender Gustaf Lagerbielke, recalled Celtic's famous 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Parkhead in 2012 and is looking to make "more memories" this season.
Speaking about the Euro draw, the 23-year-old Sweden international, who signed from IF Elfsborg, said: "The main experience will be playing here at Paradise on European nights.
"I have seen some clips on YouTube and the noise gets really loud.
"I remember Celtic playing Barcelona here and winning 2-1, that is my main memory.
"I was young and I remember Celtic not having a lot of possession but still managing to get a great result so hopefully we can create new memories this year.
"With the fans at our back, the atmosphere that can be created here we have a higher chance of winning and hopefully we can use that that to our advantage and get some points here.
"We will go into every game aiming to win, no matter the opponent. I am looking forward to the challenge."
Lagerbielke, who has yet to experience victory after a ViaPlay Cup defeat to Kilmarnock and a cinch Premiership draw against St Johnstone, could make his Old Firm debut against at Ibrox.
He said: "Celtic is a great club with great expectations.
"It is disappointing when we don't win. The last two results haven't been great but we look forward to the game on Sunday.
" I have played a few derbies in my career and in those games you forget what happened before.
"It is just 100 percent focus on that game."
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Celtic Top Scorers
Jimmy Mcgrory
Jimmy Mcgrory is Celtics all time leading goal scorer with 502 goals in all competitions between 1922-1937.
Bobby Lennox
Bobby Lennox scored 301 goals in 599 appearances for Celtic in two spells at the club. He first played for them between 1961-1978 then returned to the club for the 1979-1980 season.
Henrik Larsson
Henrik Larsson played for Celtic between 1997-2004. He scored 242 goals in 315 games for the club.
Jimmy Quinn
Jimmy Quinn scored 239 goals in 369 games for the club between 1900-1917.
Stevie Chalmers
Stevie Chalmers played for the club between 1958-1971. He scored 236 goals in 431 games.
Sandy McMahon
Sandy McMahon played for the club between 1891-1903. He scored 200 goals in 261 games.
Patsy Gallacher
Patsy Gallacher scored 200 goals in 491 games for the club. He played for them between 1911-1926
John Hughes
John Hughes scored 197 goals in 435 games for Celtic between 1960-1971.
Jimmy McMenemy
Jimmy McMenemy played for the club between 1902-1920. He scored 178 goals in 558 games.
Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish scored 173 goals in 338 games for Celtic between 1968-1977.