On July 20th as we well know, Celtic will travel to Poland to take on Legia Warsaw in a match billed as Artur Boruc’s farewell.
The contest is being played with the iconic former Hoops goalkeeper retiring from football at the end of the season. Therefore, it’s a chance for him to reunite with his former club whilst celebrating at the home of his true love – Legia.
However, what’s going under the radar ahead of this one is that it won’t just be Artur who experiences an emotional reunion. Indeed, Josip Juranovic’s return to Legia is also likely to attract plenty of attention from their players and supporters.
Josip signed for Celtic last summer from Warsaw in a deal worth £2.5m [Scottish Sun]. Even now that fee seems more and more ridiculous given how much of a bargain we got in securing the Croatian right-back.
He’s gone on to become a fans-favourite after just one year at the club. But it can’t be forgotten how popular a figure he was with Legia before his own departure. Despite only being with the Polish club for a year, Juranovic became one of their top stars.
Legia published a heartwarming goodbye message Juranovic gave to his teammates in the dressing room with players lining up to embrace him before his Parkhead move.
Celtic defender Josip Juranovic was a hero with Legia before 2021 switch
Josip made 41 appearances for Legia and also secured the Polish championship [Transfermarkt]. His year there effectively made him and gave him the platform for his Celtic switch.
Even though the contest will be focused on Artur and his contributions to both clubs, don’t be surprised if Juranovic’s return is highlighted by Legia and their supporters.
Interestingly, the game against Warsaw will take place in between games against Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City at Celtic Park. It remains to be seen how strong the contingent is that Ange decides to tae to Warsaw.
Even so, you would imagine Juranovic to be on the plane. He would surely love the opportunity to go and say hello to his former club. Not to mention the chance to take part in such a big occasion for both Legia and Celtic.
Hopefully, the fixture can help ease the tension between the two sides that still exist from our meeting with them in the Champions League qualifiers back in 2014.
It certainly looks set to be a special occasion. But next up for the Hoops? A trip to Rapid Vienna on Saturday.
In other news, Celtic boss highlights what’s encouraged him about Alexandro Bernabei already
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