Paulo Bernardo wants to become a "champion again" as he reflected on signing a five-year contract with Celtic. 

The 22-year-old impressed on-loan at the Hoops last season, where he scored four goals from 33 appearances, and helped secure a domestic Double.

Now having tied down his permanent future to the club, the former Benfica starlet is aiming to kick on and attack this "big step" in his career. 

He could even feature against Kilmarnock on Saturday as Celtic's title defence begins. 

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Discussing his move to the Scottish Premiership giants, Bernardo told Celtic TV: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career.

“I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the cup, so it was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too.

"I love the club, I love the fans and I love the city, too, so it’s very, very nice to be here again.

“I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games. Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute.

“They show that they love the club and I think they really like me too, so I love them.

“I trained this pre-season with Benfica so I’m fit, I did my own work at home to be even fitter so I’m ready. I want to become champion again and I think we can do that again, and I’m very excited to be here.”

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers highlighted the midfielders desire to pen a long-term deal plus his positive influence on the Hoops squad during his previous spell at Parkhead. 

He said: “I am delighted that we have secured Paulo on this long-term contract. 

“Paulo had a real desire to join us permanently, having had a great experience already at Celtic, and from our side we wanted to bring a quality player who has already made such an important contribution to the club.  

“Paulo made a great impact for us at some real pivotal moments, delivering for us when he needed to for the team and we are sure that he can bring that same determination, ability and quality to us over the next number of years.

“He has been a popular figure in the dressing-room and I know the rest of the players will welcome him back warmly.”