Former Celtic winger Mohamed Elyounoussi has revealed that his success with Celtic at Hampden inspired him to score last night against Scotland for Norway in a 3-3 draw.
Elyounoussi played for Celtic for two years from 2019 until 2021, and in four appearances for the Hoops at the national stadium managed to remain unbeaten, winning the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup in the 2019/20 season at Hampden.
The former Celtic star departed the Bhoys in 2021, returning to Southampton at the end of his second loan spell, and left the English Championship side this summer to join Danish Superliga champions Copenhagen.
The Norwegian winger has managed to take his game to a whole new level this season with two goals in four Champions League games and caught the attention of media across the country for his goal in Copenhagen’s 4-3 win against Manchester United in the Champions League.
Elyounoussi said: [Daily Record], “I have good memories from here, also from this stadium, with trophies and goals. It was almost like it was written down that I was going to score. It was awkward that they took the lead, but I knew it was a chance to come in and help turn the game around for us.”
The Norwegian’s goal last night was a classic Elyounoussi goal and was reminiscent of his back-post header against Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup semi-final in November 2019.
Elyounoussi has shown time and time again that he possesses an aerial threat, particularly at the back post, with former Rangers right back Nathan Patterson failing to track Elyounoussi’s run, leading to Norway’s third goal and ending the match 3-3.
Elyounoussi’s comments reflect the special place Celtic and his success at Hampden have in his heart, particularly the 2019/20 season in which Celtic managed to win the domestic treble, with the Norwegian winger playing a large part in delivering those trophies.
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