In the latest episode of ‘My Greatest Game’ for Celtic TV, John Hartson, a true Celtic legend, shared his thoughts on his illustrious career in the famous green and white colors. The former striker and Wales international reminisced about the unforgettable match against Liverpool in 2003, a game that will forever hold a special place in his heart.
Travelling to Anfield for the UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg, Celtic were determined to make their mark after a 1-1 draw in the first match. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Hoops delivered a stunning 2-0 victory on Liverpool’s home turf. Hartson, displaying his sheer talent and skill, scored a crucial goal in the final minutes of the game, sealing the triumph for Celtic.
Hartson revealed his deep admiration for Liverpool, confessing, “Not many people will know this, but I was a big Liverpool fan.” The atmosphere at Anfield was electric, with a sea of red, green, and white, and the sounds of passionate fans echoing throughout the stadium. The Welshman described the experience as ‘absolutely unbelievable’ and recalled the thrill of hearing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ resonating around him.
Alan Thompson’s well-taken free-kick put Celtic in the lead, setting the stage for Hartson’s memorable strike. The goal, which he regarded as ‘the most important of my life’, propelled Celtic into the semi-finals, where they faced and conquered Boavista before ultimately falling short in the final against Porto.
Looking back on his spectacular goal, Hartson marveled at the moment, saying, “I just let it go — to me, I just defied logic.” The sheer brilliance of the goal, combined with the presence of his mother behind the goal and the overwhelming support of Celtic fans, created a truly memorable and incredible moment for the striker.
