Bari completed the signing of the former AC Milan midfielder on Thursday.
“I am delighted to be here and I cannot wait to start playing,” he revealed.
“I signed a four-year contract and will arrive in Bari next Monday. I had several offers and was close to Sampdoria, but then they changed their mind. Genoa and Parma also enquired.
“Reaching survival with a team like Bari is like winning the title with Celtic, it will be equally motivating because Serie A remains one of the greatest Leagues in the world.
“The Pugliesi made a great effort to sign me and I am grateful to them, especially sporting director Giorgio Perinetti. In less than a week we did everything and signed the papers. I know my new boss very well and this will help me.
“Winning in the Scottish Premier League was easy – here instead every point will be hard fought. I leave some great fans but in Bari the supporters are equally good. Celtic really cared about me and their stadium is beautiful. I hope they win the title.”
