Thursday, July 9, 2009

Celtic complete Fortune signing

Marc-Antoine Fortune waves to fans at Celtic Park
Fortune was at Celtic Park for a medical and talks on Tuesday

Celtic have confirmed the signing of striker Marc-Antoine Fortune from Nancy on a three-year contract.

The 28-year-old moves to Glasgow in a deal worth approximately £3.8m.

Hull had also matched the French club's asking price but Fortune told the Celtic website: "This is where I want to be.

"Having met the people at the club and knowing all about the club's fantastic pedigree and support, this is where I saw my future."

Fortune is known to Celtic manager Tony Mowbray since he had the player on a six-month loan at West Brom last season.

The forward from French Guiana netted five goals during his spell at The Hawthorns.

"Marc is a quality player and, at West Brom, he was a privilege to work with," said Mowbray of his first signing at Celtic Park.

"Some of his play in the second half of the season was phenomenal and, if you look at our goals ratio as a team after he joined, you can see the impact he made.

"He is a team player, we were delighted with the way he performed in the Premiership and are looking forward to working with him at Celtic."

Fortune will be officially unveiled on Thursday ahead of Celtic's trip to Australia for Sunday's opening pre-season friendly against Brisbane Roar.

And he is relishing the prospect of kicking off the next chapter in his football career, which began at Lille.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of winning the league title, competing for the cups and playing in Europe, in front of the Celtic supporters.

"I am also looking forward to working with my manager, Tony Mowbray, once again.

"I had a great experience with him, Mark Venus and Peter Grant in the Premiership last season and I am looking forward to now working with him at one of Europe's biggest football clubs."

Nancy midfielder Landry N'Guemo is also expected to join Celtic on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who is a Cameroon international, was wanted by Mowbray at West Brom last season.

Fortune and N'Guemo would be ready-made replacements for two players not offered new deals by the new manager.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Paul Hartley, who signed for Bristol City on Monday, were told they were surplus to requirements as Mowbray looks to put his imprint on the squad.

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