Paulo Bernardo: The sky is the limit if Celtic keep improving

Paulo Bernardo is targeting personal progress and team success after making a return to Celtic and believes “the sky’s the limit” for what can be achieved.

Bernardo enjoyed his spell in Glasgow on loan from Benfica last season, when he helped the side to a league and cup double.

The midfielder agreed a permanent return earlier this month, signing a five-year contract after the clubs settled on a fee for the 22-year-old.

Bernardo said he had always been hopeful he would be back with the Premiership winners, though he had to be patient for the move to be finalised. Now he is looking to the future and when asked how the team could progress, he was more than just optimistic about Celtic’s potential.

“The sky’s the limit,” he said. “Last year we were improving all through the season.

“It will be a continuing work this year and we are focused.”

After securing the first trophies of his career, and making a big contribution to the success Brendan Rodgers’ team enjoyed, he has personal targets and is embracing the challenge of winning a starting place.

“I want to be champions again,” Bernardo said. “We have three domestic titles to win and I look forward to that and to having a good season in Europe.

“Personally, I want this season to be better than the last. Last season was good for me but I want to improve and I know that it will be a better season for me.

“I need to work [to be a regular starter] but it’s better that way. I feel motivated to win my place and I think that’s good for me.”

And after enjoying working with Rodgers over the last year, he hopes to continue that development and plans to put in the work to continue to improve.

“I like working with the manager a lot,” he added. “I’m really happy with him and the whole staff. Last season they helped me to develop my game and be better every day.

“I’m really happy and it was a factor that was in my mind.

“I see this as an opportunity and a big step in my career. I will work hard for this.”