‘Most magnifico moment’ – Massimo Donati once had a surprising contender for his favourite Celtic game of all time

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Massimo Donati is something of a cult figure at Celtic.

After signing from AC Milan in 2007, Donati spent two seasons with the Hoops before returning to his homeland of Italy two years later.

He was a regular in his first season at the club but soon fell out of favour, leading to Donati falling out with Gordon Strachan before regaining his place under Tony Mowbray.

That didn’t last long either and he returned to Bari, but that is a blast from the past.

The defender loves Celtic and even has a tattoo of the club crest on his chest which signifies his love.

Highs outweigh the lows and there’s one moment that stands out in particular.

• READ MORE: Massimo Donati reflects upon the ‘indescribable’ emotions of playing for Celtic

Massimo Donati named Shakhtar Donetsk win as favourite game

There have been many great nights in the Champions League at Celtic Park but, for Donati, it was the Shakhtar Donetsk win on 28 November 2007.

This game is a personal highlight for the Italian as he bagged a 92nd minute winner to earn a 2-1 victory and in an interview with the Daily Record in 2022, the defender admitted he still watches it back on YouTube.

“I remember everything about that night,” he said.

“It’s 15 years ago already but fresh in my memory. Even now, sometimes I go on YouTube and watch the goal, just to see the atmosphere and celebrations.

“Aiden McGeady gave me a good ball and I took a lucky touch. It wasn’t a fantastic shot – but it was in the net. For the next 15 to 20 seconds, I don’t understand what happened. My mind was gone. Have I ever felt anything similar in my career? Not like that.

“That goal was so important for Celtic. And when a player who doesn’t normally get goals, scores, it’s a special feeling.

“But that was in the Champions League, in the last seconds, at Celtic Park – so it was tremendous. I had a few good goals in my career that gave me good memories. But none like that.”

The reason why Massimo Donati has a Celtic tattoo

Some players have been at Celtic far longer than Donati ever was, but you won’t hear many talk about their time like he does.

He enjoyed it so much that he even decided to get a tattoo of the club crest in recognition, insisting once that Celtic is always with him.

Speaking to the Celtic Way, Donati said: “I got the tattoo on my chest and the club got under my skin. Celtic are not just a football club.”