'Proper season' at Celtic excites Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he is relishing the prospect of a "proper season" at Celtic after agreeing to stay on with the Scottish champions. The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder initially joined Martin O'Neill's side on a short-term deal in February. Having been out of action for nine months, Oxlade-Chamberlain played 550 minutes over 12 appearances, scoring twice. "I'm just delighted that it's been able to get done and excited to come in at the start of this season to feel like I've got a proper season with the boys and a pre-season," he said in a club media interview. Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed league and Scottish Cup celebrations in May, with Celtic overhauling long-time leaders Hearts on the final day to defend their Premiership title before beating Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden. "I just think the whole experience," he said when asked why he wanted to experience another campaign in Scotland. "It wasn't straightforward at all for us for the back end of that season and how exciting it was. Obviously a dream ending for us all. "I really liked the changing room, the lads, the manager, the coaching staff. I really enjoyed the challenge the whole time. "And then it was just a no-brainer for me. Just the fans and how special it was to see that and feel that and be a part of that. I was just delighted and really excited to be able to try and do that for one more year."