Celtic defender Perez claims correct decision to sign for Hoops

Young defender Manny Perez claims signing for Celtic was the right move, despite the ‘long process’ in getting the deal over the line.

The 19-year old American signed for the Hoops on transfer deadline day last month, having been on trial with the Scottish champions earlier in January.

Perez was one of three American players signed by Celtic in the January trasnfer window, following moves for Andrew Gutman and Timothy Weah.

After being loaned back to his hometown club North Carolina, Perez spoke out about the deal, claiming that it was the right decision to make – even if the deal was a lengthy wait for the young right-back.

Talking to American Soccer Now, as reported by the Daily Record, Perez said:

It was a long process.

There was a lot to think about and I am thankful for the opportunity Celtic has given me – as well as my hometown club, North Carolina FC to given a chance to develop with them.

But overall, I think it was the right move. It’s a great move to develop young players and play young players. My goal has always been to play in Europe so it wasn’t an opportunity I could pass on.

Everyone in my family and coaches at States was helping push me to play with them. It all started when I was with the U-18 national team.

We had a couple of camps in Spain and Portugal and Germany. Then two summers ago that is when Celtic first reached out to me. They saw me in Spain. I did really well and we just kept in communication.