Whatever your thoughts are on Efe Ambrose, he isn’t a player that many Celtic fans have forgotten.
That’s little surprise in truth, as the Nigerian defender racked up 168 appearances over his five years at Celtic Park.
Signed by Neil Lennon as a midfielder, he eventually became a mainstay in the Hoops’ defence as both a right-back and centre-back.
And his remarkable confidence on the ball rarely allowed Celtic fans long without a sharp rise in their heartbeat.
Ambrose had some fine moments in a Celtic jersey, but his most infamous came in a 2013 Champions League tie. You probably remember the story…
What personnel changes should Wilfried Nancy make against Aberdeen?
Efe Ambrose on Celtic vs Juventus performance
Ambrose was on cloud nine in February 2013, having won the Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria, playing 90 minutes in the final.
He didn’t have long to celebrate though – he had the small matter of Celtic’s Champions League round of 16 clash with Juventus just three days later.
READ MORE: Hugh Keevins says someone at Celtic has ‘had a word’ with Wilfried Nancy over divisive issue
In a decision which certainly did not age well, Lennon started Ambrose in the first leg – he ended up being responsible for two of the three goals in a 3-0 win for Antonio Conte’s side.
Despite this, over a decade on, Ambrose has revealed to The Herald that he has no regrets.
He said: “That’s not a regret. For me it was my work and I gave the coach my word that if I went to the African Nations, then I would be back as soon as possible if he needed me.
“All my friends went home to celebrate winning the tournament and having fun. I had work to do.
“I came back to Glasgow because I gave my word. My word is so strong, I never betray my word to anybody.
“That’s why I came back despite the stress of the travel and everything.
“I had a good relationship with Neil Lennon and I did not want to let him down. He was one of the best I played under. I had two spells under him at Celtic and Hibs and for that I am so grateful to Neil.
“You know, for me, my highlight was just putting on the green and white. That was my favourite thing. I gave the fans everything I could for five years. That was all I could do.
“I will always cherish the time I spent at Celtic and I love everything about the club. The truth is that, without Celtic, no one would ever have known Efe Ambrose.
“I would not have achieved in football what I have.”
What’s your best memory of the legendary Efe Ambrose?
The career of Celtic cult hero Efe Ambrose
Celtic were the club that Ambrose played most for, but he has pulled on a fair few jerseys across his 20-year career.
Signed from Israeli side FC Ashdod via infamous Israeli agent Dudu Dahan, Ambrose would reunite with Lennon at Hibs in 2017.
He went onto play for Derby, Livingston and St Johnstone before venturing into the lower leagues in Scotland.
At 37, Ambrose still plays at junior level for Port Glasgow. What a guy.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
