Samaras' Celtic devotion cuts deep as he takes pay cut to join Parkhead family

The Greek international finally became a fixture at Parkhead when he completed a cut-price £1.2million transfer from Manchester City.

The 23-year-old's six goals on loan last season played a key role in securing the SPL title and convinced the striker his future was in Glasgow. 

Greek idol: Celtic's Georgios Samaras (left) is delighted to have secured his move to Parkhead

And Sportsmail understands that, in addition to securing Samaras for well below the £3m initially discussed, the champions have also persuaded the former Heerenveen star to take a near 25-per-cent cut on the £22,000-a-week he earned in the Premiership.

After finally putting pen to paper, Samaras admitted Celtic were always his first choice, declaring: 'There was a small problem with the negotiations with City.

'There were too many discussions and not enough decisions, but I never felt I would not sign for Celtic. I had the full support of the gaffer and the board so I was sure everything would end happily on both sides. Now, here I am.' 

Samaras was wanted by Celtic manager Gordon Strachan before he left Holland to head for England in a near £7m deal two years ago. Yesterday's agreement provided a satisfactory conclusion to a lengthy pursuit for both sides, with Samaras finally finding a comfortable home for his talents.

'The atmosphere here at Celtic is really like a family,' he said. 'From the minute I arrived, all the coaching staff, my team-mates and the people working around the club put their arms around me with one really big hug.

'That was really important for me, feeling that support. At that time, I needed a club to support me and respect me and Celtic did that.

'I appreciated what they did. I didn't feel I got that in my last six months with City. The new manager arriving at City (Mark Hughes) didn't affect me. My decision was always to leave.

'If Sven Goran Eriksson was the manager or someone else, I really didn't care. I just wanted to leave the club. The manager here stayed in touch with me.

'When you see a club really wants you, it makes a difference.

'You feel they are on your side. Celtic are a big club, winning trophies and playing in the Champions League. When you have that support, it's enough.'