Erik Sviatchenko on the fans that make Celtic extra special

Foreword from Invincible by Erik Sviatchenko, a Celtic FC INVINCIBLE 2016/17…

I loved being asked by Matt Corr to make a small foreword for his debut book, INVINCIBLE. It was an amazing honour to once again be part of the Celtic story. We miss Glasgow and Celtic almost every day.

It was really strange to sit down today and write about that time. To get those feelings again. That amazing thing. The feeling of having done something which had never been done before.

Being on the bench for the Scottish Cup final was one thing. But coming on to the Hampden pitch…

And then that feeling of joy at the end. Of professional pride. An incredible feeling. Taking it in with my teammates as we walked around the stadium. Feeling it. The same as the fans.

I pick up a Danish flag and tie it around my waist. I have dreamed of this day since childhood. Wearing my national flag in a foreign country, on such a special occasion. Living the dream.

I am a professional and I have moved on now. To my next chapter. But I know that I should think more about those times and cherish these memories. And I will.

If I were still in Glasgow, I would be reminded of it every day. That’s what I loved most about the place. Being able to meet so many kind people, all with one thing in common. All with the same feeling. That love of Celtic. And with a kind perception for me and my family.

We had two years of living abroad, as a family, for the first time. My son William was born there. Glasgow gave us everything and it had everything.

And on top of that, it had an amazing football club, with supporters everywhere. It’s quite amazing to see. More than two years have gone by. I am gone and I will be forgotten. No-one will talk about you again. But that’s not the case.

I am in a training camp in Poland and they are there.

They stand up and cheer, then start to sing. “He’s magic you know, Erik Sviatchenko.”

I turn to my teammates. “Listen, guys. They are everywhere!”

That love that you show to every player makes you unique.

If I were still in Glasgow, I would walk around with a sign on my back.

“I am INVINCIBLE! Have you ever tried that?”

It was a pleasure to catch up and share some great memories and I am looking forward to seeing those all come together in the book!

I wish you the best of luck.

De bedste hilsner / Best regards

Erik

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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