Erik Sviatchenko is absolutely loving the messages he's receiving from Celtic fans

By David Walton

July 19, 2021

FC Midtjylland captain Erik Sviatchenko has opened up on the messages he’s been receiving from the Celtic fans in recent weeks.

Sviatchenko will lead the Danish side out against the Hoops over the next two weeks as both sides tussle for a spot in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

The popular centre-back was a fan-favourite at Celtic Park during his time here between 2015 and 2017. He was also linked with a return to Parkhead this summer before the UCL draw was made [Scottish Sun].

And Sviatchenko has been previewing the game with the Danish media as he opened up on his communication with the Celtic fans.

As quoted by Tipsbladet, the former Hoops man said: “I remember we were there the last time we played against Rangers. You walk around the city there, and I had said to my teammates: ‘It’s a big club around here, Celtic. They all know me’. They just said, ‘Yeah yeah, that’s fine’. And I was stopped all the time. There were always people who had to take pictures and have autographs. Then I said: ‘There you can just see, boys. It’s a big club’.

“It was completely wild. My Instagram – there are requests and it says 99, and then it just says ‘plus more’. I think there are 200-250 messages maybe that just say ‘come on’ and ‘we’re looking forward to it’ and ‘what team are you going to play for?’

“So it’s funny that they go into it so much, and it’s always with such a friendly tone. On Twitter, it has also just gone bananas. So all in all, it has been fun to be a part of.”

Erik Sviatchenko will receive fine welcome on Celtic Park return

There was a time this summer when it was up for debate who Sviatchenko would be playing for. With the Celtic rumour fresh last month, it looked as though there was a chance we were signing the Midtjylland star.

In the end, that link appears to have fizzed out. Instead, Carl Starfelt looks like being the man to replace Kristoffer Ajer at Parkhead.

Even so, Starfelt won’t be featuring in this one given the deal hasn’t officially been announced yet. Celtic will likely have to go with the likes of Nir Bitton and Stephen Welsh instead. Dare we say it, we may even be envious of the who Midtjylland have at the heart of their own back-line.

Sviatchenko will, quite rightly, get a positive reception from the Celtic fans. He’s always been a vocal supporter of the club since leaving under Brendan Rodgers. He’s even spoken about returning as a player in the past [Daily Record].

It remains to be seen how successful a return it is for him. Celtic fans will know what to expect after he made 63 appearances for us and won six medals [Transfermarkt].

Here’s hoping it isn’t too successful a return for him. One thing’s for sure, he’ll certainly get a positive reception from the Celtic fanbase.

In other news: ANGE Postecoglou explains why he chose Callum McGregor to be new Celtic captain