DIEGO Laxalt is delighted to have joined Celtic on a season-long loan from AC Milan, and in his first exclusive interview with Celtic TV, the Uruguayan internationalist said he can’t wait to pull on the Hoops and play alongside his new team-mates.

The 27-year-old, who operates on the left-hand side of the pitch, has been capped 24 times for his country, and is the first Uruguayan to play for Celtic.

“I’m extremely happy to have signed for a club that is very well known around the world,” Diego Laxalt told Celtic TV, speaking through an interpreter. “It is a club with a lot of tradition and I can’t wait to get out on the football pitch.

“I know there’s no game this weekend but I’m going to start training and I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates. And for me, when we’re standing in the tunnel and then out on the field, that’s when we start building up memories and building as a team.

“I first heard the rumours about a week ago but I didn’t want to take anything seriously until I was absolutely certain. I was very calm about it, but when I heard it was happening, I couldn’t believe it and I’m extremely happy that it’s become a reality.

“I couldn’t think of any other Uruguayan player who has played for Celtic, so I realise I’m the first one. I’m extremely happy about that and I’m a player who likes to leave everything on the pitch when I’m playing. I’m very happy. I love the colours and I can’t wait to wear the strip in a match.”

There will be one familiar face in the Celtic dressing-room for the new Bhoy in Olivier Ntcham, with both players having previously been team-mates with Italian side Genoa.

And Celtic’s new Uruguayan signing, who will wear the No.93 jersey, is looking forward to meeting up with the French midfielder, while he could also be set for a reunion with AC Milan, given that the Italian club have been drawn alongside Celtic in their UEFA Europa League group.

“I’m very happy to share again new memories with Olivier,” Diego Laxalt said. “I spent a lot of time with Olivier at Genoa when we played there together, and he’s an extremely good player and a good person as well. So I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to playing with him again.

“It’s just a coincidence that Celtic and AC Milan been drawn in the same group, but at the moment my head and my heart are with Celtic and I’m going to try to do my best, no matter the opposition, whether that’s Milan or whoever. My heart is now with Celtic.”

And Olivier Ntcham welcomed his former Genoa team-mate to the club, telling the official Celtic website: “It’s great that Diego has joined Celtic because he’s a very good player and a very good guy.

“He’s a really quick player, really sharp and is very motivated. He’ll be a good player for Celtic because he’s got the right mentality and always works hard for the team.”

Diego Laxalt: My heart is now with Celtic and I can't wait to play