FORMER Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has revealed Real Madrid are the ones that got away.
In his four years in charge at the Hoops, the current Scotland manager admitted he was desperate for this team to be drawn against the Spanish superstars.
Strachan said: “Real Madrid were the one I always wanted.
“We had Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan, but we always missed the Madrid lads in the ballot.”
Now he hopes Brendan Rodgers has better lucks and lands Ronaldo and Co in today’s Champions League group stages draw in Monte Carlo.
And Strachan also told the new Parkhead gaffer to expect some marvellous evenings mixing with the European elite in the east end of Glasgow.
He said: “It’s not just about the money – it’s the fact you’re included in these huge nights again.
“It keeps the Celtic family together, singing, shouting and supporting their team. These nights are phenomenal.
“It was the only time as a manager I would run down the tunnel before the kick-off.
“Normally, I was last out, but, on those occasions, I used to leave about five minutes early just to join in with the atmosphere.
“When that Champions League music started, you knew you were in the Big League.”
Celtic have played Real Madrid once before in 1980
Winning 2 – 0 at Celtic Park. I was at the game. #Auld https://t.co/8QfvRmbU64— Celtic Collectibles (@CollectCelticFC) August 25, 2016
