When Celtic take on Celta Vigo in Europe on Thursday, there will be one man watching with particular interest – Jorge Cadete.
He’s one of just three players to have played for both clubs during their careers. First, he played for Celtic, joining them in 1995 and going on to score 31 goals in 45 appearances.
Then he joined Celta, managing eight goals in 41 appearances before returning to Portugal with Benfica in 1999. It means, when both sides face each other on Thursday, his loyalties will have to be divided.
“It’s a match where it’s difficult to decide, emotionally, which team you want to win, because I’ve played for both clubs,” he admitted, in an interview in Wednesday’s edition of Atlantico.
Celtic Park atmosphere
One thing Jorge Cadete is keen to see is how the atmosphere at Celtic Park holds up. As far as he’s concerned, things have changed dramatically since his time in Glasgow.
But, he believes, as it’s European football on the table, something close to that old atmosphere may make a return.
“The atmosphere isn’t the same as it was when I played there, but I’m sure that in a European competition match, some of that old atmosphere will be felt once again,” he added.
“For the teams and the players, it’s just another match. Though it will be highly contested, with both sides pressing hard.
“I believe there is a deeper connection between the fanbases, between the people of Celtic and those of Celta de Vigo, than what you might see in other matches.”
Celtic · Statistics & achievements · 1996–1997
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Goals per game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995/96 | 5 | 5 | 1.00 |
| 1996/97 | 43 | 33 | 0.77 |
| Celtic total | 48 | 38 | 0.79 |
| League top scorer | Scottish Premier Division, 1996/97 — 25 goals. |
| Celtic’s leading scorer | 33 goals across all competitions in 1996/97. |
| Scored on debut | Scored after coming off the bench in a 5–0 win over Aberdeen on 1 April 1996. |
| Team trophies | None during his Celtic spell. |
Sources: FitbaStats, Transfermarkt and Celtic historical season records.
On the fence about result
Jorge Cadete is sitting firmly on the fence when it comes to deciding a winner too. Despite enjoying a more prolific spell with Celtic than Celta, he still loves the Spanish side.
Afterall, it was there that he put in a memorable performance to seal a win against Aston Villa at Villa Park. It was one of the major highlights of his time with them.
“I have mixed feelings,” he concluded.
“I’d be satisfied with a draw, given that I played for both teams. And because of the affection I hold for both sets of fans. It would feel like a kind of justice.”
