EXCITEMENT is building at the prospect of two Celtic legends of the highest order returning to Paradise and the response from supporters has been magnificent.
The Henrik’s Heroes v Lubo’s Legends charity match featuring fans’ favourites Larsson and Moravcik will take place at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 28, 2017, with a 2pm KO.
So who will be joining Henrik and Lubo on the hallowed turf? First up is Joos Valgaeren and not long after making his debut in July, 2000, the defender took part in the 6-2 win over Rangers that included Larsson’s deft chip.
He recalled: “I was just a small-town boy from Belgium and I suppose I sort of grew up the day of the 6-2 game.
“His chipped goal is rightfully considered a classic. The Rangers defenders that day will still have sleepless nights because of Henrik.”
The Belgian will meet up again with the Swede as well as Lubo when he plays on May 28, and he added
“I have memories of both of them, almost like a fan. The Celtic family can be very happy with them. They were incredible players. I feel so proud to have played for the same club as them never mind the same team. It is magnificent too that the Lisbon Lions will be honoured.
“They are so much part of the history of such a great club.”
Joos is now back in his homeland, working as a surveyor after completing a degree after he retired from football in 2010. But part of him is still at Celtic Park.
He said: “I played five years for a beautiful club so it is now in my blood. I am a supporter, if only from a distance.
“There are so many great memories of Henrik. The big impression was how hard he worked. He worked for the team, every moment. I was happy – and other players were happy – to work for him. But he worked for us.
“That was a big thing for the team. He was always trying. His scoring ability was obviously great but we should not forget the way he worked.”
Joos added: “Henrik and Lubo were technically so good. Those games against Rangers and those incredible European nights like the 4-3 win over Juventus under the Celtic Park lights remain the highlights of my playing career.
“I am looking forward to stepping out on the park again. It is for such a good cause. It is what the club is all about. It will be a great day.”
Henrik’s Heroes versus Lubo’s Legends is a Celtic FC Foundation charity match which will allow us to help more people in our communities and beyond.
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.
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. There will be detailed projects in relation to proceeds from this match in due course.
* 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.
