JACKI’S back. Dariusz ‘Jacki’ Dziekanowski has confirmed he will return to Celtic Park to play in the Henrik’s Heroes v Lubo’s Legends match in aid of Celtic FC Foundation on May 28.
The Polish striker wrote himself into the club’s record books when he scored four goals against Partizan Belgrade in a European Cup-Winners’ Cup tie in 1989.
However, the 5-4 victory contributed to a 6-6 aggregate score and the Hoops went out on away goal. It was a dramatic night which was hard on the supporters and, especially the four-goal striker.
He said: “It was a great night for me in one way in that I scored four goals but we lost the tie on away goals. We didn’t get through to the next round.
“So one moment you are happy but the next moment you are not. When the ref blew the final whistle, I was definitely not happy. You think you have done something special but it has meant nothing.”
Jacki, though, is prepared for a brighter day on May 28. He added: “The Celtic fans were great and I always appreciated them. I loved it when they were singing. What a noise. My memories of Glasgow always centre on the atmosphere of the matches and the friendliness of the people.”
The Pole was last in Glasgow three years ago when he toured Celtic Park and he was astonished at the difference in the ground since he played here.
He said: “It is an amazing stadium and it was great to see the way it has changed.
“I’m looking forward to playing on that pitch but I may have what we Poles call soft legs! I will practice some good tricks and try to come up with a great goal. I cannot promise four!”
Now 54, Jacki is a football commentator, analyst and columnist in Warsaw and has been an assistant to the national team.
He is delighted that the Lisbon Lions will be saluted on the day. He said: “It is a remarkable achievement. They won the cup that all players dream of. They are rightly legends.”
He is also pleased that the proceeds of the match will go to Celtic FC Foundation. “It is fantastic that charity is such a big part of the club,” he said.
“It is important to realise that players are not just stars but can do things for people. We are lucky as players.
“When we are young we achieve so much in terms of fame and money. We are lucky to play football. But it is wonderful to use that to help other people. We respect the people that are not as fortunate as us.”
Sponsored by Dafabet and Utilita, Henrik’s Heroes versus Lubo’s Legends will take place at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 28, 2017, with a 2pm KO.
The last remaining tickets are on general sale, on a first come first served basis – maximum of 10 per person – priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions*.
Tickets are available to purchase online at www.celticfc.net, by calling 0871 226 1888** or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office. Rail Seating does not apply to this match.
Premium tickets (£30) and corporate packages (£135) are also available by calling 0871 226 1888** (Option 4) or emailing [email protected]
Net proceeds of the game will be devoted to Celtic FC Foundation, a charity aiming to uphold and promote the founding principles of our football club. The four priorities are to improve health, promote equality, encourage learning and tackle poverty and the Foundation have a strong track record of delivering successful community-based projects.
Some of the funds will be used to extend existing projects such as the award-winning ‘Ability Counts’ – a project aimed at children and young people who live with Down’s Syndrome or Autism. We will also assist with Community Care for Dementia through a series of initiatives. Finally, we have partnered with Mary’s Meals to create The 67 Kitchens campaign which will see Celtic fans support the building of 67 school kitchens for children in the developing world and send emergency food aid to South Sudan and Syria.
* Concessions 65+/Under-16s.
** Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Booking fees apply online and via our sales line.
