Marvin Compper: Breakfast with Brendan Rodgers sold me on Celtic move

Celtic parade new signing Marvin Compper at half time during the match with Partick Thistle. Picture: PA

The new Bhoy insisted he was delighted by boss Rodgers’ thoughtful offerings of healthy cereal and fruit.

And clean-living German Compper insisted he won’t be frequenting Glasgow’s pubs or sampling Scotland’s number one drink export.

The central defender, 32, has agreed a £1 million move from RB Leipzig.

Compper said: “Brendan Rodgers invited me round to his house for breakfast. There was a terrific family atmosphere.

“He had muesli, fruit and lactose-free dairy products on the table - because he had specially learned about my dietary habits beforehand.

“Rodgers is someone who draws up clear messages and hierarchies in his team. That is something that suits me.

“I have heard that that there are some pubs for Celtic fans only, and others that only Rangers supporters can enter.

“But I am not a pub-goer, so that is not important for me.

“I am a Catholic, so I am a better fit for Celtic.

“I will have to pay respect to the custom of driving on the left before I begin. It will be quite an adjustment for me.

“But drinking whisky is not a big temptation for me. I will stick to red wine.

“I’ll fly to Glasgow next week with my wife Cathrin, and my sons Elijah and Rafael, to look for a house. There’s a few nice places on the market.

“We want to live in the city rather than the countryside. We plan to move over in March.”

Compper, speaking to German daily Bild, added: “I first heard of Celtic’s interest three weeks ago. I was amazed and proud to be on the wish list of such a big club.

“Their chief scout Lee Congerton played a big role in my arrival. Five years ago he wanted to bring me to Hamburg when he worked with their sporting director Frank Arnesen.

“I had contacts from a couple of other Bundesliga clubs, but Celtic were my first option.

“Money never played a major role in my decision. I would never have opted to join a club in China.

“I won’t be able to play in the Europa League for Celtic this season, as I appeared against Besiktas for Leipzig in the Champions League.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, I enjoyed it, and back then I didn’t know how things would turn out for me.

“But maybe I will get to play against Leipzig in the Champions League next season.

“I have played in a cup final for Fiorentina, and been a league runner-up with Leipzig, but I have never yet won a title.

“I want to do that with Celtic - and I will work hard to achieve my aim.”