Sturm Graz’s Emir Karić says he was thrilled when he found about facing Celtic in the Europa League.
Brendan Rodgers’ side host the Austrian club at Celtic Park this week, and this fixture has got the 28-year-old excited.
Ahead of the Celtic clash, Wednesday’s edition of Kleine Zeitung has an interview with Karić. He’s aware of the atmosphere the visiting team can expect.
“The atmosphere at Celtic Park is one of the best in all of Europe. The thought of it makes you start singing ‘You’ll never walk alone’,” he said.
“Even during the draw for the Europa League’s group stage, I hoped we would play Celtic away. The draw was kind. I’m incredibly happy.”
The newspaper say the fixture will also be ‘very special’ for Karić because of his uncle, who has Celtic as one of his favourite clubs. The other clubs are Liverpool and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The left-back already faced the Bundesliga club when he was at SV Darmstadt in the past and the Reds during pre-season.
“My uncle has three favourite clubs: Mönchengladbach, Liverpool, and Celtic. I’ve already played against Gladbach three times with Darmstadt. We also played against Liverpool in preseason. Now my dream of playing against Celtic away is coming true,” Karić explained.
“Unfortunately, my uncle is afraid of flying and won’t be there. But he’s watching on TV. I hope he’s not wearing a Celtic jersey. Although I’m sure he’ll support Sturm this time.”
Kleine Zeitung state stepping on Celtic Park will see the Austrian complete a ‘full circle’. He has explained the reason for the same.
“I was in Glasgow with my school. I saw Rangers at Ibrox Stadium and also watched a Scottish international match at Hampden Park. In that sense, the only thing I’m missing is Celtic Park,” he added.
Karić also heaped praise on the British football fans.
The fullback played the full 90 minutes in his side’s 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers earlier this month. Despite being a bit overly-friendly towards Celtic, Karić will be looking to help Sturm Graz beat them tomorrow.
