Moody Blue Marco Negri wasn’t exactly known for playing with a grin that reached from ear to ear.
The sulky striker could barely even be bothered celebrating most of the 33 goals he’d blasted by New Year during an incredible first six months at Ibrox after his arrival in the summer of 1997. He soon had reason for looking glum as his Rangers career came off the rails following that infamous brush with Sergio Porrini’s forehand during a squash match.
There would be fall-outs and arguments as his three-year stint in Glasgow grew increasingly bitter. Yet when it comes to remembering his last act in a Gers shirt, the Italian insists his one and only Champions League appearance still brings a smile to his face. It may only have lasted 12 minutes as Dick Advocaat’s team slumped 2-0 in Austria against Sturm Graz in October 2000 but for Negri, running out in European football’s top tournament represented the high point of a 17-year career.
