Born Again Cristian

The goals that re-established Celtic’s dominance on Saturday were both made by Cristian Gamboa.

- Mark Henderson

AFTER two years in Paradise, Cristian Gamboa admitted it was a special feeling to hear the Celtic fans chant his name for the first time in Saturday’s Betfred League Cup victory over Partick Thistle.

With the game tied at 1-1 at Firhill, the Costa Rican internationalist was instrumental in turning the game in the Hoops’ favour late in the second half. There were only 12 minutes remaining on the clock when the fleet-footed full-back ignited the afterburners, surged into the box and crossed for Moussa Dembele to restore the Hoops’ advantage. Less than two minutes later, he repeated the feat to supply Tom Rogic for the third goal that completely crushed Thistle’s resistance.

The boisterous travelling support in the Jackie Husband Stand spontaneously erupted in song to acclaim Gamboa to the tune of the White Stripes’ classic Seven Nation Army. And what made it particularly memorable for the bubbly Bhoy was that his wife, Melissa, and young children, Felipe and Julian, were among the fans as they sounded their appreciation.

“I have been here for a while, two years, and it was the first time I’ve heard the fans sing my name so it was a big moment for me,” he told the View in an exclusive interview.

“I have been working hard, sometimes in the shadows when it’s been difficult for me to get game-time, but I’ve always tried my best when given opportunities and it was brilliant to hear the fans sing my name and to win the game. It was really special for me.

“It was also really nice as my wife and kids were there with the Celtic fans and I always say that my family and I feel happy to be around this fantastic club.