Leipzig No.2 Andreas Hinkel admits he can’t wait to return to his happy place - but warned the Germans it could be a miserable night if they take Rangers too lightly.
The former Celtic full-back fell in love with Glasgow during his three-year Parkhead stint.
And he can’t wait for a look around the place when he heads back to Scotland for next week’s second leg showdown at Ibrox.
“Of course I’m really looking forward to facing Rangers,” said the former Germany international, a league and League Cup winner with the Hoops.
“Since we knew it was possible to face Rangers I was happy and looking forward to the game, especially because I knew we were going to travel to Glasgow and I love that place.
“The atmosphere in the Ibrox Stadium will be outstanding. Even if not quite as outstanding as Celtic Park.
“It’s a city close to my heart and I'm really looking forward to returning there with RB Leipzig.
“The roots of football are found in Glasgow. If I am not mistaken, one of the first international matches was played in Glasgow.
“Football is firmly anchored in the culture there and for many fans it is simply a tradition to accompany their own team beyond national borders, which is why this game will be something very special.”
Leipzig - who reached the last four of the Champions League in 2020 - are firm favourites to go one step further in this year’s Europa League but Hinkel is wary of Gio van Bronckhorst's Rangers.
He said: “Of course I can say that Scottish teams in general are more physical compared to teams in the German league.
“They have good mentality. It’s not easy to play in Scotland.
“But it’s not just physical. They have weapons, especially Rangers. They are good on the counter attack as well.
“They defend strongly too.
“They didn’t qualify for the semi finals by chance. They beat some good competitors in this tournament so it’s going to be really tough, really hard to get a result.”
