Paulo Bernardo is back home in Paradise as he signs five-year deal with Celtic

Celtic are delighted to announce that Paulo Bernardo has returned to Paradise, signing for the club from Benfica on a five-year deal, subject to international clearance. The 22-year-old Portuguese midfielder enjoyed a successful season on loan at Celtic last year, making a total of 33 appearances for the Hoops and helping Brendan Rodgers’ side to a league and Scottish Cup double. He scored four goals, including a stunning strike in a 2-1 Glasgow derby win at the end of December. He also played a pivotal role in the Scottish Cup final victory at Hampden, driving forward from midfield in the last minute of the game and unleashing a shot from the edge of the box, with Adam Idah slotting home the rebound. Paulo will join up with his team-mates at Lennoxtown today as Brendan Rodgers’ side continue their preparations for the start of the new Premiership season this Sunday against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. Speaking to Celtic TV today, Paulo Bernardo said: “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.’ “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 said: “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.”