Following Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Celtic on Match-day 1 of the 2022/23 Champions League, Toni Kroos has praised Celtic fans for creating an 'Incredible' atmosphere inside Celtic Park throughout the night. Speaking on the podcast Einfach mal Luppen with his brother, Kroos was full of praise for the Glaswegian fans as he recalls being astounded by his first experience of Paradise.
Celtic Crowd Urged Their Team On
Devoting time on the podcast to discuss his experience of Celtic Park, Toni Kroos describes the electrifying atmosphere last Tuesday night and says that:
The Champions League anthem started and I thought the stadium was going to collapse.
The roar at Celtic Park when the Champions League anthem hits >pic.twitter.com/NvVXmXHpmm
— Jack Kenmare (@jackkenmare_) September 6, 2022
Kroos tells the podcast that before kick-off he felt as if 'they were already losing 2-0' and that the 3-0 victory felt like a comeback against such a powerful home crowd. He recalls being astounded by the lack of hostility and disrespect from The Hoops supporters and was surprised to hear widespread applause at the final whistle, despite the home side's 3-0 defeat.
He said:
"When we lined up for the team picture, I told David Alaba that it feels like we are already 0-2 down. Just insane!”
READ HERE: Celtic Park Rocking Despite Disappointing Real Madrid Defeat
A New Favourite Away Stadium for Toni Kroos
When asked about his favourite away stadium, Toni Kroos said:
there is a new number one, I can tell you! Celtic Park. It has been just crazy! We came out and the atmosphere was good.
However, Toni Kroos is not the only high-profile player to admire the Parkhead atmosphere, several Barcelona players have taken to social media in years gone by to talk about their experience in Paradise.
Messi's High Praise of Celtic Park
After playing in Celtic Park in 2013, Lionel Messi talks of how he has been 'fortunate enough to play in some great stadiums in Europe with Barcelona' before going on to say:
none compare to Celtic
High praise from the Argentinian, who also admits that:
'I have a Celtic jersey at home'
🗣️ Lionel Messi:
“I have a Celtic jersey at home. The games against Celtic were special and I want to remember them. Celtic Park is a tough place to go to, it is never easy to get a result there. It is the best atmosphere in Europe and we all want to experience that again.” pic.twitter.com/Gzl3Ca51ei— Celtic Soccer Show (@CelticSoccrShow) October 11, 2019
Andres Iniesta was also full of praise for the Celtic Park atmosphere, commenting in 2012 that, 'I've never heard fans like Celtic'
Upcoming Celtic Home Matches
The Hoops will be hoping to use their crowd to their advantage in the Champions League when they take on RB Leipzig on October 11th before facing Shaktar Donetsk on October 25th. Before that though, they face these two sides as the away team where they will be hoping to collect a few points before playing the return home fixtures.
Celtic are away to Shaktar Donetsk tonight at 5:45pm
SEE ALSO: Remembering Dida's Ridiculous Antics At Celtic Park In 2007
