GEORGIOS SAMARAS has delivered an emotional farewell to the Celtic fans - and insisted the club will always be in his heart.

The enigmatic Greek star is widely tipped to leave the club on freedom of contract at the end of the season.

And, as he entered the final week of his Parkhead career, the striker said his haul of medals would be a permanent reminder of his days in the Hoops.

He said: "If you see the souvenirs I have from football - awards, hat-trick balls, medals and trophies - they are all from Celtic.

"When I retire I have my wall of fame and everything there will be Celtic. It's all about Celtic. I have tried my best and tried to help my team-mates be successful.

"But the most important thing is that it's good for me to know that I have a connection for the club. I am not a passenger."

Sami initially arrived at Parkhead on a six-month loan from Manchester City in January 2008. He arrived in England on a £6million deal from Dutch outfit Heerenveen.

And, after arriving in Glasgow's east end, Samaras was determined not to be a football nomad.

After impressing during his loan spell, he wanted to end his wanderlust.

He admits, however, that he never dreamt of staying at one club for so long.

He said: "When I started playing football, I always wanted to stay at a club for many years.

"I didn't want to change clubs like other players do, moving every two or three years.

"I wanted to love a club and for it to love me back, so they would remember me for something. This club for me is Celtic.

"I have seen players coming here for six months, one year or two years and maybe they have played 60-70 games, but they won't be remembered.

"I couldn't imagine when I first came here on loan for six months that I would stay for another six years. It's a great achievement to play 250 games but it's just a number.

"You can take pictures from your career from these games that people will remember for years to come. I will just keep putting miles on the dashboard."

Now Samaras is gearing up for a huge green party farewell when Celtic receive the SPFL Premiership trophy a week on Sunday after their final game against Dundee United.

He admits it will be a moment to savour and reckons it vindicates his decision to stay with Celtic for so long.

He told the Celtic View: "When people ask me why I have been at Celtic for so many years and haven't gone down south, I always say that after all the hard work we do in pre-season, you get to hold something in May.

"This is when the hard work pays off. It is a moment we as players are all waiting for and hopefully the supporters as well.

"It will be a full house and we can all celebrate three-in-a-row."