Efe Ambrose has thanked Celtic for putting his name up in lights as he reflects on his time in Glasgow.
The former Nigerian international is now at Morton and scored his first goal for the Ton in a 2-1 win- for Dougie Imrie's Championship side. He's represented Hibs, Livingston, St Johnstone and Dunfermline but it was at Parkhead where the defender was introduced to Scottish football.
He won while at Celtic and insists his entire nation was behind him as he played in the Premiership and Champions League. It all started to go downhill at Europe's top table following defensive blunders against Juventus and being late for the team bus on the return leg, but Ambrose regrets nothing. He told the Sunday Mail: “Being at Celtic put my name up there in football. Everyone in Europe, Africa, the world, they recognise Celtic. To play in the Champions League in front of those fans was incredible.
READ MORE: Ally McCoist touched by Celtic gesture as Rangers icon reveals he has cherished signed Hoops shirt
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
“Everyone in Nigeria was supporting Celtic. Whenever I went back home, I took strips with me for the people there. I have no regrets about what happened in the Juventus games.
“Maybe my only problem is that I’m too committed. I told the manager that straight after the African Nations, I’d be back to help the team. I could have gone back to Nigeria to pop champagne and celebrate but I didn’t.
"I didn’t feel a problem with fitness. The games just didn’t go the way we wanted to. A few things happened on the pitch but that’s football. I felt the team needed me so I’ll never regret it.
"People thought I shouldn’t have started that night and, of course, he could blame me for the goal. But the manager trusted me as a professional."
READ NEXT:
- Gio van Bronckhorst provides Rangers future update as boss can't guarantee he won't be sacked
- Rangers suffer another title stumble as pressure grows in St Mirren draw- 3 things we learned
- Rangers player ratings v St Mirren as Celtic gain another title boost despite Kent's best efforts
- Sean Dyche sent Rangers message by van Bronckhorst as manager vows to stay cool under pressure
- Beale makes Rangers title statement as he hails Celtic boss Postecoglou as Hoops game-changer