Zlatan Ibrahimović (foto: Getty Images)
Zlatan Ibrahimović hails Celtic Park as the best stadium atmosphere he’s experienced, recalling the deafening noise during a 2001 UEFA Cup clash with Ajax.
Throughout his illustrious 25-year career, Zlatan Ibrahimović has played in some of the most iconic stadiums in the world. From San Siro, where he represented both AC Milan and Inter, to Camp Nou, Old Trafford, and even Maksimir and Marakana, the Swedish superstar has experienced it all.
But when asked to name the most intimidating stadium atmosphere, Zlatan didn’t hesitate to choose Celtic Park, citing the passionate and deafening support of Celtic fans. In an interview shared by GiveMeSport, Ibrahimović explained: "When I stepped onto the pitch, I tried to communicate with my teammates, but I couldn’t hear anything. The crowd was so loud and full of energy."
"I couldn’t hear what my teammates were saying when they called out to me because the atmosphere was so incredible. It’s probably the best I’ve ever experienced in a stadium," Zlatan added.
A rare experience at Celtic Park
Ibrahimović only faced Celtic fans at full force once in his career, during a 2001 UEFA Cup clash while playing for Ajax. Coming off the bench, he was struck by the unrelenting passion of the Glasgow crowd. Unfortunately, his more recent appearance at Celtic Park with AC Milan in the 2020/21 Europa League came during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the match played behind closed doors.
Celtic Park has earned praise not only from Ibrahimović but also from other footballing legends, including Barcelona greats Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi, who all hailed its electric atmosphere after playing there during Champions League nights.