Celtic have pals all around the world.
The Hoops have been the club everyone seems to ask to play in their testimonial matches and it’s no wonder. Celtic fans are the best in the world and always make the atmosphere worth the price of admission.
Athletic Club in La Liga have more of a connection with Celts than just that, though, as they claim “philosophy, tradition and history” are the cornerstones of their relationship as they share the same values.
That was reinforced when Celtic visited The Cathedral in 2011 for the first time before Athletic Club repaid the favour as they played in James Forrest’s testimonial at Celtic Park in 2023.
And now, as the Basque outfit get set to take on Rangers in their Europa League last-eight tie next week, they have used the time to nod to Celtic on social media, perhaps as a way to noise up the Light Blues.
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Athletic Club used Celtic connection to wind up Rangers
Sharing photos of their Hoops connection they posted on social media: “#OnThisDay in 2011, @CelticFC visited The Cathedral for the first time.
“The match is well remembered in Bilbao due to the friendly atmosphere between both sets of fans at San Mames and in the city.
“On 1 August 2023, we finally went to Paradise. James Forrest chose @Athletic_en to be the opponents for his testimonial.
“A belter of a match, Celtic won 3-2 on a special day.”
How Celtic and Athletic Club’s friendship has blossomed
Athletic have enjoyed a strong Europa League campaign and while Celtic will clearly have their fingers and toes crossed that their mates can KO Rangers, there will also be support beyond that fixture in the latter stages.
Celtic had a good Champions League tournament with just the shattering 3-2 Bayern Munich aggregate defeat breaking their hearts late on at the Allianz Arena.
The two clubs, following Forrest’s testimonial match, shared messages of respect with Bilbao thanking Celtic for their warm welcome.
Athletic Club also congratulated Celtic after they won the Premiership title back in 2022 to continue their love-in.
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