Former England star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reveals why he chose Celtic for next step in his career

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a five-month contract.

The free agent former England international has been training with Arsenal and playing for their Under 21s to maintain fitness.

His contract with the Scottish champions has an option for a further year also.

The 32-year-old told Celtic TV: ‘It’s been a busy few days. Speaking with the manager, it just felt like the perfect fit for me, and I feel like I can come in and help the lads.

‘The manager, and Shaun Maloney as well, told me about the expectations on the club and what it means to play here, what our targets are and that he’s going to push me.

‘That’s all the stuff I identify with and that’s the environment I’ve always been in and been lucky enough to be in.’

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has 35 caps, has been without a club since leaving Besiktas last summer.

‘It’s exactly what I need,’ he added. ‘I need another challenge and lucky enough at a massive club like this. And they can help me get back to where I need to get to and, more importantly, I need to help the team achieve the goals we want to do.’

Manager Martin O’Neill concurred. ‘He still has so much to offer the game, and I am sure he can add another dimension to us with his great ability and wealth of experience in the game.’