Aleksandr Hleb has said that the Celtic Park atmosphere is one of the best he has experienced.
Hleb was a part of the Stuttgart side that Celtic beat under Martin O’Neill in 2003 on their journey to the UEFA Cup final.
Celtic haven’t won a European knockout tie in 22 years and now would be the perfect time to do so.
While Hleb hopes that it is a win for his former side, his visit to Parkhead has left a lasting legacy on him.
What is one stadium that comes close to Celtic Park in terms of atmosphere?
Or can none compare?
Aleksandr Hleb in action for Stuttgart against Panathinaikos
Credit: Getty Images/Sandra Behne/Bongarts
Aleksandr Hleb puts Celtic Park into his top five for atmosphere
The Belarusian legend was fortunate enough to play for Arsenal and Barcelona, but even they didn’t compare to the famous Celtic Park noise.
Stuttgart defender Jeff Chabot has watched videos of the atmosphere to get an idea of what to expect but Hleb has already claimed it is in his top five.
He told TheCeltsAreHere: “We knew it would be a good evening perfectly well but when we went out onto the pitch and saw the incredible atmosphere, we felt this crazy energy from the Celtic fans.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
“I had the feeling that my legs were stretched out! It was an incredible atmosphere.
“It is definitely in the top five (in terms of atmosphere) in my career.”
Aleksandr Hleb understands the importance of fans in the stands
It seems like the Green Brigade won’t be returning to the stands any time soon, despite O’Neill claiming that progressive talks between the group and the club were underway.
Celtic’s atmosphere is as poor as it has been since the club’s imposed ban on the ultras group.
Who is the best opposition player you have ever seen at Celtic Park?
Leave your comments below
John Hartson of Celtic battles with Paolo Maldini of AC Milan during the UEFA Champions League Group F match
Credit: Getty Images/Mark Thompson
While Hleb isn’t aware of the ongoing situation, he knows that 60,000 fans inside the ground is a daunting prospect for everyone else.
“In football, every nuance is important. The support of your fans is very necessary to achieve such results,” he added. “Especially in Glasgow.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox