Aiden McGeady Is Russian To Join Spartak Moscow

Aiden McGeady has completed his move to Spartak Moscow.

The 24-year-old winger, who has been with Celtic since 2004, has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Russian club, which will keep him with Spartak until December 2014.

McGeady, who passed a medical in Frankfurt earlier this week, is - according to reports in Russia - moving for £9.8 million - 12 million Euros - and is said to be in line to command wages of £1.2 million per year.

As confirmed by Spartak, the Republic of Ireland international will also have the services of a driver in Moscow.

The player isn't expected to feature in his new club's game with Lokomotiv this weekend, instead arriving in Moscow on Monday after securing a Russian visa for his move.

Although the fee remains officially undisclosed, the sale of McGeady is believed to represent a Scottish transfer record, eclipsing the money spent by Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur for Craig Gordon and Alan Hutton respectively.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Celtic Football Club for making my time here so enjoyable and memorable," McGeady said in a statement on Celtic's official website. "The Celtic fans are second to none and it is a fantastic club to play for. Celtic is the team I have supported my whole life and will miss so many things, however I am looking forward to the challenge of playing for Spartak Moscow.

"I wish the current players and management all the very best for the season ahead and I will be back whenever I can to cheer the team on."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon added: "I would like to wish Aiden all the best with his move to Spartak Moscow. It is obviously a disappointment to lose a player with Aiden's talent, however, it was his desire to try and further his career in pastures new and I respect his decision.

"Spartak Moscow are a good club and I am sure Aiden will do very well there. I would like to wish Aiden and his family the very best of luck for the future."