Berkovic, Eyal

Celtic & Israel

Birthdate: April 2, 1972
Birthplace: Haifa, Israel
Height: 179 cms
Weight: 74 kgs
Position: Midfielder
International: 20 caps, 4 goals (as of June 29, 2000)
World Cups: 0
Previous Clubs: Maccabi Haifa, Southampton, West Ham United
Transfer Fee: $9.50 Millions of Dollars
Israeli international midfielder who moved to Celtic from West Ham for a club record 5.75 million pounds during the '98-99 off-season. Says Berkovic: "My ambition is to help Celtic win the Championship next season, qualify for the Champions League and to do well in Europe. I am very pleased to have joined Celtic at such an exciting time. It is a great club with a tremendous track record and I am looking forward to being part of its future success." Had a controversial final season with West Ham. Team mate John Hartson kicked Berkovic in the head during a training session in September as the Israeli knelt on the ground following a tough tackle. At the time, Berkovic said he was considering his future at the club but he later made his peace with Hartson, who subsequently left the club for Wimbledon.