The arrival of Henrik Larsson at Celtic Park came after a protracted wrangle over his contract with his former club Feyenoord. New manager Wim Jansen was building a team that he hoped could wrestle the title away from our old rivals on the other side of the city. Larsson was worth the wait, maybe not noticeable in the first couple of matches, but over the next seven years we witnessed the talents of a truly world class striker at the peak of his footballing ability, making him the greatest modern day striker to have worn the hoops.
Henrik finished his spell at Celtic racking up 242 goals ranging from close range finishes to sublimely wonderful headers, free kicks & the occasional lob. With every goal he carved his name deeper into the history of the club & into the hearts of the fans who had the thrill of watching him. Everyone will have a favourite, but mine is a one off, 43 years in the making.
Venue - Estádio do Bessa
Date - 24th April 2003
Match - Boavista 0 Celtic 1
When Celtic arrived in the Iberian peninsula for the 2nd leg of their UEFA Cup Semi-Final they knew they needed to keep it tight in defence & score at least one goal. After a nervous 90 minutes at Celtic Park in the late spring sunshine Celtic had some work to do following a 1 each draw. A missed penalty from Larsson in the 1st leg making the trip that little more daunting. However, this was a Celtic side who had already come through some difficult obstacles in visits to Spain, England & Germany.
In what was a match full of tension & nerves the hosts seemed happy to hold on to their away goals advantage from the first leg. Half chances & snatched shots were traded as neither team could find a positive commanding rhythm. With time running out & desperation creeping into the prayers being offered by fans the special moment arrived as the ball was diverted into the path of our talismanic striker. Larsson scooped the ball passed the despairing arms of goalkeeper Ricardo into the Boavista net.
The goal wasn't a classic, it wasn't spectacular but in that instant a 43 year wait to reach a European final was coming to an end. The ball crossing the line in what felt like a slow motion replay is etched in Celtic fans minds in every corner of the world. The celebrations from the goal lasted for weeks as fans made their plans to travel to our first European final since 1970. Larsson scored goals that helped us win league titles, cups & trebles, but the magnitude of that moment for me was the most euphoric.
