[/media-credit]The 23-year-old becomes the most expensive footballer in South Korean history, but did not feature for Michael Laudrup’s team this afternoon against West Ham United, but took in the match from the stands.
Ki, starred in the London Olympics, helping guide the South Koreans to a bronze medal and knocked out Team GB scoring the final penalty in the Olympic quarter-final shootout.
On his move, Ki said: “When I look at Swansea I see a club that is growing and growing, and the style here is very attractive to me. Last year I watched them a lot in the Premier League and they did things very differently to a lot of the other teams. They wanted to keep the ball and pass it around, which I love to do. When they didn’t have the ball they worked so hard to get it back quickly.
“It was very impressive, and I think I can grow as a player here and help the club move forward. The manager is another big attraction. I remember watching him when I was younger and I was amazed by how good he was.
“Now I want to learn from him in order to help me become a better player. I learned a lot at Celtic – it helped me become more of an all-round player. This is something I have dreamt about since I was a child – playing in the Premier League against the best players in the world. I can’t wait to play my first game.”
Ki started his career with FC Seoul after spending four years in Australia, and was named the Asian young footballer of the year in 2009. Despite interest from a number of clubs in Europe, the midfielder signed for Celtic in January 2010.
During his time at Celtic Park, Ki scored in the 2011 Scottish Cup final win over Motherwell before helping Neil Lennon’s side to their first SPL title in four years.
Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins, said: “Having lost Joe Allen recently, it was vital that we invested the money wisely by bringing quality young footballers into the club with potential to grow further.
“Ki fulfils that criteria and everyone in the football club is excited about the prospect of him playing and developing with us. His tactical awareness and quality has been there for everyone to see, especially playing for his country, and he is well suited to our style of football.
“He has a good educational background behind him from his time in Australia and the few years he has spent at Celtic will make it easier for him to settle quickly and become accustomed to life over here. I know he is looking forward to the challenge of playing for the club and Premier League football. We see him as the perfect fit for Swansea City.”
After his departure was announced, a Celtic spokesperson said: “Everyone at Celtic would like to thank Ki for his contribution over the past two-and-a-half years and he leaves with the club´s best wishes.”
