Celtic defender Josip Juranovic has reflected on the class moment he had with fellow Hoops teammate Daizen Maeda at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 27-year-old has returned to club action after a month-long break away which was spent with the Croatian national team at the prestigious tournament.
Juranovic and Croatia had a brilliant run at the World Cup, finishing in 3rd place and picking up the bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals.
On his way to the last four of the competition, Juranovic faced off against some top teams from across the globe, including Belgium, Brazil and eventual winners Argentina.
There was also a familiar meeting with one of his current Hoops teammates in the last 16 of the tournament, as he took on Daizen Maeda and Japan.
Croatia and Japan played out a closely contested tie, with Maeda even scoring in the first half before Ivan Perisic hit back in the second 45 minutes.
However, despite Japan’s best efforts, it was the 2018 World Cup finalist who reached the next round, winning 3-1 on penalties.
It is a harsh way for any team to exit the competition, and Maeda was visibly gutted in the immediate aftermath of the result.
But, in a class moment between the two Celtic players, Juranovic was quick to console his club teammate as he celebrated the result gracefully.
Speaking in his first interview since returning from his ventures out in Qatar, Juranovic has reflected on that moment, insisting that he was very much in two minds after the result.
He said [Celtic FC]: To be honest I was having two different feelings. I was really happy about our victory and going through to the World Cup even further. But I was sad to see Daizen Maeda crying.
“But that is football; one guy is leaving with a smile, and the other guy is leaving in tears.
“But again, everybody from Celtic at the World Cup represented Celtic really well, and that is really good to see.”
The right-back also briefly opened up on his experiences at the World Cup and stated that it has made him raise his standards even higher upon his return.
“Qatar was really hot, which is something really different from here (in Scotland).
“But when you are playing against Messi, against Vinicius, there were so many good players, and that experience is really high.
“And now I put my standards really high, and I need to prove to everyone that I keep myself there.”
Juranovic’s class gesture showcases Celtic Park dressing room atmosphere as defender gears up for return.
In the immediate aftermath of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, you could forgive anyone for celebrating achieving such a feat.
However, Juranovic took the time to check on his Celtic teammate, and it just goes to showcase the brilliant team spirit amongst the Parkhead dressing room.
I am sure it is a moment they have since discussed upon the defender’s return to Glasgow as he gears up for his first Celtic involvement since November.
After the injury issues to Anthony Ralston in the last week, it has led Reo Hatate to play out of position against St Johnstone and Hibernian.
But, Juranovic appears to be ready to go for the huge derby fixture at Ibrox on Monday afternoon off the back of a strong World Cup.
In other news, Report: Scouts present as Celtic prospect takes first-team step.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
