Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Josip Juranovic in Celtic 'best time of my life' admission as he makes Rangers derby 'biggest' claim

Josip Juranovic admits the togetherness of Celtic has translated well to his move to Union Berlin but that Parkhead was the time of his life.

The Croatian defender has continued his journey in Europe's elite competitions after playing in glamour ties against Real Madrid and RB Leipzig for Celtic this season. Ange Postecoglou's men finished bottom of their group but had spirited performances against Los Galacticos and also managed a draw in a tough encounter with Shahktar Donetsk.

Now Juranovic's high-flying Berlin team have surpassed Ajax in the Europa League after the 27-year-old sealed a big move away from Parkhead in January. Die Eisernen face the challenge of Union Saint Gilloise in the next round who Rangers faced this season, and Juranovic admits the 'underdog' persona has travelled with him to the German capital.

READ MORE: Alexandro Bernabei red card decision earns top referee verdict as Robbie Neilson's blast a 'bit rich'

But the Croatian gushed over his time in Glasgow as he told an interview with the club: "They are unbelievable like sixty thousand people each game [Celtic fans]. It doesn't matter if we played seven in the morning or seven at night. They're always cheering. It was maybe the best time of my life.

"I can say that proudly. I met some of my really good friends there. I'm still following them."

He added when quizzed about the difference between Union and Celtic: "We played a really good game against Ajax but we were underdogs. Maybe they have some individual players but at Union we play like a group and I like that. Working together on and off the pitch.

"At Celtic it was a similar situation, we played Leipzig and Real Madrid. We were [air quotes] underdogs but we played really well, especially against Madrid. That was my first or second game in the Champions League at Celtic Park and we played really well.

"60 minutes we had chances, hit the post, but didn't score. Real Madrid is Real, they will punish you with half of the chances. In these games you have to be 120 per cent ready as a group and you need a little luck."

On when Postecoglou asked him to play left back, particularly against Rangers, he added: "When I came to Celtic they had an injury at left back and the coach asked me can you play there because you have experience playing there. I was like 'yeah, I want to play'. It's one of the biggest games in the world. The biggest derby.

"I wanted that challenge. I played there and here [Union] as well."

READ NEXT:

- Robbie Neilson in Celtic red card 'decapitation' blast as Hearts boss hammers VAR 'shambles'

- Celtic player ratings vs Hearts as Kyogo's crucial goal hands Ange Postecoglou win in landmark game

- Leigh Griffiths rejoins Mandurah City as ex-Celtic star brings an end to long period without a club

- Ange Postecoglou in Celtic 'make allowances' admission as boss lauds 'really good' Hearts approach

- Ange Postecoglou 'here's to 100 more' banner as Celtic boss' landmark hailed with Christmas quip

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.