Artur Boruc sends emotional message before farewell game vs Celtic
By StevieMac
Celtic may have expected a lively atmosphere at next week’s game against Legia Warsaw, with it being the farewell match of Artur Boruc. ‘The Holy Goalie’ is one of the best footballers to ever come out of Poland and during his prime, was one of the top goalkeepers in the world, linked with clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal. There are now serious doubts about how many fans will be present for the game though.
After playing Banik Ostrava on Wednesday in front of an incredible home crowd in the Czech Republic, Ange Postecoglou praised the fans for the noise and the atmosphere in the ground.
The Hoops might have been hoping for something similar against Legia Warsaw, given some of the past history between the two clubs. That might not be the case though
As reported by the Daily Record, Legia Warsaw revealed that just 3,825 tickets have been sold for the 31,800-capacity stadium, as there have been complaints that the prices were far too high and Boruc said regarding the matter:
"“First of all, I won’t make any money from the tickets, nor did I set the prices. I signed a contract with Legia to arrange this match. My only priority is to say goodbye to the fans. I left Celtic a long time ago and there is practically no one at the club left that I know.“I know there are plenty of players over the years at Legia who are more deserving than me for this game. And I am well aware what the fans think after such a disastrous season. But I have one final dream left at Legia and that is to have a full stadium. This is more than just a match to me.“I want to say thanks to the fans. If you are still hesitating and want one more chance of abusing me, then please come along too…you also contributed to my career and made sure I worked even harder. So I cordially invite you to my final game of football.”"
Boruc sends emotional message to fans before farewell game against Celtic as ticket sales struggle
Perhaps it is the ticket prices behind the low sales till now or maybe the Legia Warsaw fans aren’t too keen on seeing a farewell game after what has been a difficult campaign for the club.
It remains to be seen if Boruc’s emotional message to the fans ends up changing the situation and starts moving tickets. The Polish star had two separate stints at the club. It was there that he first made a name for himself early on in his career, before returning late on for a second spell, and it turned out to be where he retired from the game.
Whatever happens there will as always be a group of Celtic fans in attendance and making themselves heard. So even though it has been some time since Boruc played for the Hoops he will surely receive a great green and white farewell from his old club’s fans.