Victor Wanyama was determined to sign for Celtic and knocked back the chance to play in the Premier League with Aston Villa to win trophies with the Parkhead side. The Kenyan ignored advances from Alex McLeish to sign a four-year contract in a deal reportedly worth £900,000 to Belgian club Germinal Beerschot. Wanyama, who made his Hoops debut when he came on against Cardiff City in the midweek friendly in Wales, said: "Aston Villa were interested but I chose to come here. I chose Celtic because I really wanted to win trophies and Celtic are a great club, an historical club. European football was another reason. Aston Villa aren't playing in the Europa League and Celtic will be. It was an easy choice for me."
Wanyama, who is in the squad for tomorrow's game against Hibs at Easter Road, chose squad number 67 to show his appreciation to the Celtic team which beat Inter Milan in the final of the European Cup. He revealed that he sought career advice from his brother, McDonald Mariga Wanyama - who plays for Inter. Wanyama said: "I spoke to my brother and he helped me to choose Celtic. He told me this was a great step for me and I would have the chance to win trophies. But he didn't know about 1967. I have been reading about Celtic's history and it was me who told him about it."