Dimitar Berbatov expressed his admiration for Celtic as a legends team faced off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
In a star-studded charity match that included Georgios Samaras and Artur Boruc dusting off their Celtic shirts and ex-Scotland captain Darren Fletcher playing for home team, the Hoops secured victory in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Gary Hooper responded to Wayne Rooney’s stunning free-kick that initially put United ahead.
Before the game, Berbatov reminisced about his memorable clashes with Celtic during his time at United - especially in the 2008/09 Champions League, highlighting the fierce competition between the two clubs and their passionate support.
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“I had good games against Celtic," said the former Bulgaria internationalist. "I scored a couple of goals. Ask any player about their impression of playing at Celtic – I mean the atmosphere, the fans, I mean it’s crazy, man. It’s unbelievable. You get goosebumps everywhere.
“It’s great because this is what you want from your fans. To support you from good times to bad times, to be there for you. The Celtic fans, probably if you ask anyone, if you see a Celtic game the fans are there for them. It’s great.”
Berbatov faced off against his old Bulgaria teammate, Stiliyan Petrov, and explained his close bond with the Celtic favourite.
“Are you ready?," the ex-striker said pre-match. "I told him I am coming for him. It’s always good to have your friend on the pitch. Of course, I want to win, he wants to win. For 90 minutes friendship is put aside. After that we forget everything, we hug our kids, we have banter.
“It’s good to see him again because he was a warrior. He was unbelievable, running for me all over the pitch and giving me the ball after so I can score.”
Speaking to Celtic TV, Petrov reflected on the incredible feeling that comes with representing the Hoops.
"It is always good to come together with the former teammates, players that I've played with, players that I've played against as well," he said.
"Obviously it's all for a great cause. The Celtic Foundation has been really powerful since it has started and it's showing great values, and what the club stand for.
"For us to have the opportunity to play on behalf of Celtic Football Club is a great honour."
