Celtic Park has left an impression on some of the biggest names in football over the years, and Ilkay Gundogan is the latest player to speak about his experience in Glasgow.
The former Manchester City midfielder has played in some of the most famous stadiums in world football. From Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park to Galatasaray’s Rams Park, Gundogan has experienced some of the game’s most intense atmospheres.
Yet when discussing the grounds that stood out to him most, Celtic Park was one of the first places that came to mind.
That will come as little surprise to supporters who remember Manchester City’s visit to Glasgow during the 2016 Champions League group stage. On a memorable night under the lights, Celtic matched Pep Guardiola’s side in a thrilling 3-3 draw that remains one of the club’s standout European performances of the modern era.
Speaking recently, Gundogan recalled just how much the atmosphere affected him.
He said: (TikTok), “I would say, obviously, Rams Park in Galatasaray, then Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, which I think always has a great atmosphere.
“For me, the one that was the most surprising is actually Celtic Park, where we played with Manchester City against Celtic.
“I was really surprised and amazed at how loud it was, as well as how the people were supporting that team.
“I really enjoyed playing that game.”
The match itself helped create that memory. Celtic took the lead three times and refused to back down against one of Europe’s strongest squads.
For visiting players, that is often what stands out about Celtic Park. It is not simply the noise. It is how the crowd responds to every challenge, tackle and attack throughout the game.
Gundogan has played at the highest level for more than a decade. He has won league titles in Germany and England, lifted the Champions League and captained Manchester City to a treble.
That makes his comments all the more interesting.
Many players praise stadiums after visiting them. Not all of them continue talking about the experience almost a decade later. The fact Gundogan still remembers that night in Glasgow says plenty about the impact Celtic Park can have on those who walk onto the pitch expecting just another European away game.
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