Thomas Gravesen is arguably a beloved figure among Celtic fans, known as a cult-hero for his brief time with the club. He was signed for £2m from Real Madrid, becoming the first player to make the switch from the La Liga side to Parkhead.
During his two seasons with Celtic, Gravesen played 27 games under manager Gordon Strachan, who once jokingly called him ‘uncoachable’. Despite this, Gravesen managed to score 6 goals, win an SPFL title and a Scottish Cup, as well as netting a goal in a victory against Rangers – all of which endeared him to the Celtic faithful.
However, it was Gravesen’s antics in the Champions League that caused some controversy. His constant chatter with referees during games led one match official to complain to Strachan about his distracting behavior. One referee even threatened to book Gravesen for making it difficult for him to concentrate on the game due to his playful banter.
Although Gravesen’s time at Celtic was short-lived, he has always maintained a connection with the club. In 2021, he generously donated his appearance fee for an event at the SSE Hydro to the Celtic Foundation. His quirky personality and memorable moments on and off the pitch have left a lasting impression on the Celtic fans, ensuring that he will always be fondly remembered for his time at the club.
