There was a pretty big Celtic connection at a charity match organised by Stiliyan Petrov in Sofia this week.
Almost 20,000 people are said to have turned out at the Vasil Levski National Stadium for the ‘Match of Hope’ clash set up by the former Celtic hero. (BTA)
The event raised money to support people, hospitals and organisations fighting cancer — a cause close to Petrov‘s heart after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia 11 years ago.
The former midfielder has thankfully come through that part of his life but he is still looking to give back and had plenty of big names turning out to help in the Bulgarian capital.
As reported by Bulgarian outlet BTA, the likes of Henrik Larsson, Kolo Toure, Roy Keane and Shay Given were all included in the World Stars side.
Dimitar Berbatov, Hristo Stoichkov, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and Robert Pires are some of the other names that took to the field.
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Friday’s date — 8 September — is actually exactly ten years on from Petrov’s memorable and emotional charity game at Celtic Park.
That day, there was an incredible rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at a sold-out stadium. Watching it back all of these years later, it’s still very powerful. (Celtic YouTube)
And it seems like those in charge in Sofia fancied a bit of that emotion too as they also aired the song earlier this week. (Stiliyan Petrov Instagram Stories)
While it wasn’t the iconic Gerry and the Pacemakers version, it still made for some pretty powerful scenes. The game itself was said to have been interrupted by emotional moments on several occasions.
The proceeds from the match will be donated to cancer hospitals in Bulgaria. Great work Stiliyan.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers says he wants to enjoy more of Scotland in his second stint as Celtic manager