Jim Craig: Enrico Annoni, a cult hero, Johnston leaves Celtic for Nantes

The furore surrounding the arrival of Maurice Johnston at Celtic Park was quite incredible but he did turn out to be an excellent player for the club, scoring 71 goals in his 127 appearances.

Unfortunately, after three years at Parkhead, he seemed to fancy a change and on this day in 1987, Mo was transferred to Nantes in League One in France, where he went on to score 22 goals in his 66 appearances over the next two years.

On this day in 1966, Enrico Annoni was born at Giussano in Italy. After 15 years with various clubs in the Italian leagues, he joined Celtic in 1997, making 37 appearances in the Hoops over the following two seasons.

Jim Craig

Scott Alcroft interviewed Enrico Annoni for The Celtic Star a few months ago. Here are the highlights for those who missed it first time around…

ITALIAN defender Enrico Annoni was only a Celtic star for just two years but when his name crops up, he brings a smile to any Celtic supporter’s face. Rico was a cult hero with our support. When he signed for Celtic from Roma in 1997, he brought with him a man marking style to the Scottish game that the Italians were well known for and the support loved it!

When did you first hear of Celtic’s interest in you?

The first time I heard that Celtic were interested in me was in the February thanks to Paolo Di Canio’s agent.

What do you remember about the day you signed?

I remember that I arrived in Glasgow under another name and I stayed at the Hotel (still with another name) until the contract was ready. This was all to ensure that there was no gossip or news that I was arriving for Rangers to know.

What was your proudest moment in a Celtic jersey?

The best moment in a Celtic was obviously when we won the Championship.

Who were the characters in the dressing room?

Paolo Di Canio was for sure the “character” in the dressing room. After him, Henrik Larsson and Regi Blinker. I always had a great time with them.

What was the best game you played in for Celtic and why?

The best match I played in was the Derby game where I stopped Laudrup playing. Also when we played Liverpool and I did the same to Robbie Fowler.

What are your memories of your former team-mate Phil O’Donnell?

Phil was a very generous boy. He really was a character in the dressing room and I want to remember him this way.

Who was your biggest influence on you in your time at Celtic?

Honestly, Paolo Di Canio. He was also the one that convinced me to come and play for Celtic.

Francesco Totti played his whole career at your former club Roma. Do you think Kieran Tierney will do the same at Celtic? As a former defender as well Rico, what do you make of KT?

I don’t really know Tierney that much, he’s a young boy and he’s doing very well. I hope he continues his career in Celtic. As a defender he has to work hard but he’s on the right path.

Do you still keep an eye on Celtic and what do you think of the team at the moment?

Yes, I still follow Celtic. It’s a very strong and can do really well in Europe.

Finally Rico, what does Celtic Football Club mean to you?

Celtic has remained in my heart. The team, the football club, Glasgow and especially Celtic’s great fans.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who 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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