Edson Braafheid played in the 2010 World Cup Final.
So he knows about pressurised environments and high stakes. He’s also one of very few people to represent Celtic and Bayern Munich. So the Dutchman has a clear insight into what makes both clubs tick. He’s acutely aware of just how big an institution the German giants are having spent two years there.
But when it comes to intensity, passion and what the game means to supporters? He reckons Celtic are on a different level. Braafheid is one of the forgotten men in the history of the Hoops. He arrived in Glasgow from the Allianz Arena on loan in the January window of 2010.
The squad he joined at Parkhead featured the likes of Scott Brown, Aidan McGeady and Robbie Keane - but ultimately lost the league title to Rangers and got gaffer Tony Mowbray the sack. Braafheid returned to Bayern before eventually going on to play for Hoffenheim, Lazio and FC Utrecht. But the left-back still looks back on his Celtic stint with fond memories.
Not only did it help him get into the Holland squad for the World Cup, where they finished runners-up. But it also gave Braafheid a life experience he still values to this day. And as he looked ahead to a huge Champions League play-off clash between his former clubs, he hailed Celtic’s aura. He accepts that Bayern have more money, better players and operate in one of Europe’s top leagues.
But when it comes to stature, Braafheid says Celtic is unmatched anywhere in the world. In an exclusive interview with Mailsport, the Dutchman said: “The size and stature of Celtic surprised me. Walking in the city, being at home watching TV, going to a restaurant or being in the stadium - it’s a lifestyle when you’re at Celtic.
“That’s what being a Celtic player
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