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Sebastian Tounekti was man of the match in his debut against Kilmarnock
Deadline-day signing Sebastian Tounekti says he is not viewing Celtic as a stepping stone to one of Europe's top leagues and insists he sees himself "being here for many years".
The 23-year-old winger, who was named man of the match on his debut against Kilmarnock on Sunday, was only five months into a five-year deal with Hammarby before being leaving for Celtic for a reported £5m fee, external last Monday.
Asked if seeing players move from the Scottish champions to top-five European leagues was a motivation, Norway-born Tounekti said: "To play for Celtic is massive.
"For a player of my age, it is the best step I could have made and I know the playing style should suit me. I told my agent it was my only choice if I was to leave Hammarby at this stage.
"My only focus is to be here now and perform. I want to play for Celtic for a long time. I see myself being here for many years."
Tounekti, who has signed a five-year deal, revealed other clubs were interested before he completed his move in the final moments of a "hectic" final day of the summer transfer window.
Celtic's failure to reach the Champions League was no deterrent to Tounekti, who was delighted to make "a nice start" at Rugby Park.
He gave Kilmarnock a tough time down Celtic's left, but stressed his ability to play on the opposite flank.
"My strongest position is on the left, but I have also played some games on the right so I can play there if the manager wants me to play there," he said.
"I feel like it is only the beginning. I have so much more to show, so hopefully I'll bring more out throughout the season."
