WITH more than 50,000 tickets already sold, Celtic FC Foundation’s Henrik’s Heroes v Lubo’s Legends charity match is heading for a sell-out at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 28 (KO: 2pm). A host of former players are already signed up to take part and the match promises to be a great spectacle.
And the official Celtic website caught up with one of the stars of the show, Lubo Moravcik, to hear about his excitement in the run-up to the game.
“The match will be a fantastic occasion and it will be great to be back at Celtic Park”, said Lubo. “I want to win this match. I want to every game I play, it’s the type of player and person I am.
“I think Celtic share the same desire and determination to win and be the best. The score in the match could be anything but we’ll be delighted see each other once again. To play in Celtic Park again and see the stands full will be great.”
The Slovakian playmaker is thoroughly looking forward to seeing his former team-mates and discussed his admiration for Henrik Larsson in particular. He said: “To describe Henrik in a word, it would be, fantastic. He was one of the best in his position.
“I actually looked on the Internet to see how many goals he scored for Celtic, 242 goals in 315 games – it’s crazy. He performed and scored goals at the highest level in World Cups and European Championships. He won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona and played a very important role in that victory. He must be very proud of everything that he’s achieved in his football career.”
And Lubo also spoke of his first appearance against Rangers, as he famously netted twice to help the Celts to a 5-1 victory.
“In life you have to be ready for challenges and I think I was ready for this game,” he said. “I was focused on the game and when the situation arose, I was ready to score.
“I was a little bit scared of my first game against Rangers as I knew how important the match was to everyone at Celtic. But I stayed focused and determined to do well in the game and when I got my goal I was very pleased. I was still a bit shocked though and I hadn’t prepared any celebration or anything.
“Scoring two goals against Rangers in the 3-0 win at Ibrox in 2001 also stands out for me. It was a great moment in my football life. I was able to show the fans the best of my ability and that I was willing to work hard for the club. We went on to win the treble that season which was very special.
“The fact it’s only been done three times in the club’s history shows how important it was. This season perhaps the team will achieve it for the fourth time and I really hope the players go on and do it.
“As I played for the national team more and more, I obviously dreamed of playing for a big club. I had played at some great clubs but Celtic was different. I always had the confidence that I had the qualities to play at a big club, Celtic gave me that opportunity and I’m very happy I was given that chance.”
When asked how he thought the result would pan out between Lubo’s Legends and Henrik’s Heroes on May 28, Lubo said: “At my age now of 52 it won’t be easy to play on the big pitch but I’ll be doing my best.
“I think everyone will be a winner on the day, the people in the stands, the players on the pitch and those who will benefit through the work of Celtic FC Foundation.”
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 kick-off.
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.
