Kieran Tierney says he could've previously returned to Celtic after his move back to the Parkhead club was announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The left-back has penned a five-year deal in Glasgow's east end.
Tierney rejoins Celtic on a free transfer after initially departing the club for Arsenal in 2019.
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He could have come back before this summer, though, admitting that a return was previously 'in the works'.
"It was perfect timing for everybody," Tierney told Celtic's YouTube channel.
"It had been in the works before, but it wasn't able to happen.
"This time, everything just fell into place. I spoke with the manager, obviously, I worked with him before, and I've always kept in touch with him. He's one of the best, and I'm so lucky and grateful that he's given me the chance to come back.
"I'm a different person, 100 per cent. When you move away from home, you grow up, you learn different things. I was away in Spain for a year, I learned a different language, learned a different league, so I'm definitely a different person. Player-wise, I'll say, like I always say, I'll try and work my hardest and do my best for the club."
Brendan Rodgers spoke out on the signing: "We are delighted to welcome Kieran back to Celtic," he said [celticfc.com].
"He is such a talented, high-quality player, and he will be a massive addition to our squad.
"Kieran has always had Celtic in his blood, and he is excited to be coming back to the place he loves.
"He is someone who has given so much to Celtic already, and I know he is so motivated and hungry to help the club bring more and more success to our fans.
"We are so pleased to bring such an elite player back to the club, and I look forward to working with him again and the rest of the squad, as we face the many challenges ahead at home and in Europe."
