PAULO Bernardo has expressed his desire to extend his stay at the club beyond this season.
The Portuguese youth international is currently on a season-long loan at the Hoops, but the club do have an option to buy the player included in the agreement.
He is eager to become a permanent part of manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans but understands that he needs to impress and earn more playing time to secure a long-term place.
And that could come in the coming weeks with Reo Hatate ruled out until the new year.
Bernardo was the replacement against Atletico Madrid, when the Japanese midfielder pulled up, and then took the jersey at Easter Road for his first start in the Hoops.
Opening up on his future, Paulo Bernardo admitted he was keen on a permanent move to Glasgow, but he’ll have to show the manager his worth over the next few months.
He said: [RecordSport]
“In the time I have, I had to show the manager more and more. I will get better. Could I stay? I think so.
“But I have to play a little more to have that chance. Life for me since coming to Celtic has been nice. I like the city and the club. The club is really big. I didn’t have the chance to know about Celtic so much before but since I’ve come here I’ve felt that it is a really big club. I’m really happy to be here and to be helping the club.
“I’ve had to be patient. All players want to play. But I have to work hard to get this chance. And I have to work even harder to keep going and show the coach that I can play a lot more. I have to continue with this work.
“The coach has told me that I have to be patient as my opportunity will come. He’s also told me to work as hard as I can and to be focused here. My legs are okay after the weekend. It was a tough few days for me after coming into the Atletico game but I have to be prepared for that.”
It’s not clear what the fee Celtic would pay Benfica is, but if he continues performing like he did against Atletico, it’s something the club will almost definitely explore.
