Efe Ambrose insists joining Celtic was God's work after Man City deal fell through

Celtic new boy Efe Ambrose has revealed how he’s swapped England’s champions for the kings of Scotland after being scouted by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.

The defender was paraded to the Parkhead crowd before Saturday’s draw with Hibs, having completed his move to Glasgow just hours before the close of the transfer window.

Ambrose moved to Glasgow on a three-year deal after Hoops boss Neil Lennon firmed up his interest but the 23-year-old could easily have been working under Mancini had the demands of his former club FC Ashdod not ruined his chances of a switch to Manchester.

Seven months ago, the centre-half joined City on trial at the behest of Mancini.

He settled in among the millionaires of Eastlands in training but the Italian boss wanted a final look at Ambrose in a bounce game before making up his mind whether to pursue a summer deal to take him to the Premiership.

However, Ashdod chiefs refused to let the African stay in Manchester as he was required back in Israel on club business and Mancini pulled the plug.

Ambrose said: “I was there in February as the coach of Man City wanted to see me. But there wasn’t much time because my club in Israel wanted me to return to play an important league game.

“So I had no more than a couple of days training with City. I worked with the first team, players like Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards and Samir Nasri. Most of the key players.

“I always felt comfortable with them because we all play with the one object, the ball. So I feel confident with that, it was no problem and the coach said it was good. But he needed me to play a 90-minute game.

“Like I said, I could not do that but he said he would keep an eye on me.

“A deal was on and off but in the end, I could not get anything from my agent. That is football.

“It was disappointing but things have now worked out well for me.

“God chooses what he wants and it was to be Celtic. That is why I am here.”

Ambrose now has his chance in the UK and is being rewarded for his graft and determination to make a career for himself at the top level.

Ambrose was given a huge ovation on the pitch at the weekend before the Hibs game and he’ll be welcomed with open arms by the fans who saw defensive lapses in the ensuing contest gift the visitors a 2-2 draw.

Lennon is looking for a commanding presence at the back and Ambrose is adamant he has the type of mentality required for the SPL champions.

He said: “I am the kind of player who likes winning. That is my main objective in life and I like giving my all to my team to achieve that. I like to give 100 per cent in every game. Win or lose, I want to give my best.”

With that attitude, 18 caps for his country and a Mancini endorsement on his CV, Ambrose looks set to be a good addition to the Parkhead roster.

He’ll require a work permit before getting started, He said: “I have a visa and now I have to fix up the permit.

“But I do not believe it will be a problem as I have enough international experience. I have caps and I have also played in the Olympics.”

Ironically, the international pedigree that will ensure Ambrose can play for Celtic could also see him disappear for a month in the guts of the season.