Fans of Celtic have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which new Celtic signing Vasilis Barkas discussed his move to Parkhead, as well as his relationship with former Celtic striker Georgios Samaras.
It was confirmed on Thursday that Celtic had finally landed AEK Athens goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas on a four-year deal, paying the Greek side an initial fee of €3.3 million (£2.95 million), with ‘further add-ons based on appearances’.
And, in some of his first comments as a Celtic player, the 26-year-old claimed that former Celtic striker Georgios Samaras helped influence his move to Scotland.
He said: “I have a good friend who has a good relationship with Samaras. He told me it’s a very good team and the fans are crazy for them. I really want to see this for myself.”
In reaction to his remarks, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many praising Samaras.
https://twitter.com/bayley1997/status/1288862682775511040
BRING HIM HOME VASILIS
— aiden (@Bxamxrboy) July 30, 2020
Its the big games he needs to show up for ? welcome to paradise barkas
— Anton McCallum (@MccallumAnton) July 30, 2020
Samaras, who joined Celtic from Manchester City in a £2.25 million deal back in 2008, went on to feature 243 times for the Hoops, scoring 71 goals and providing 49 assists, helping the club to win four Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup.
Is Samaras a Celtic legend in your eyes?
Yes
No
However, it seems not everyone remembers the Greek striker as a Celtic hero.
Samaras was a long haired fraud, hope this guy isn’t the same
— kieran (@kjaydoch) July 30, 2020
He’ll be disappointed then
— Flynnyyyyyyyy (@flynnyyyyyyyy) July 30, 2020
Both Greek
— Hoy. (@mr_hoy94) July 30, 2020
In any case, if Barkas enjoys anywhere near the success that Samaras did while at the club, it is likely that Celtic fans will remember him fondly, particularly if he plays a part in helping the club to go on and secure a historic 10th Scottish Premiership title in a row next season.