Victor Wanyama doesn’t need to think long to nominate his highlight of the season.
Back in November the eyes of the world were on Glasgow as the superstars of Barcelona arrived in town- unbeaten all season and racing away in La Liga.
Celtic had caused a stir going down in stoppage time to a 2-1 defeat in the Nou Camp but there was little expectancy of a home win as Lionel Messi and his team-mates entered the fray in Glasgow’s east end.
Ninety minutes later the names of Tony Watt, Fraser Forster and Wanyama were being talked about as Celtic pulled off a famous win to set them up for qualification to the last 16 of the tournament.
The double header with Barcelona brought Wanyama to the attention of a worldwide audience with the young Kenyan looking at home in the company of Barcelona’s heralded midfielders.
“I have enjoyed the season and the highlight for me was beating Barcelona,” he admitted. “One of the greatest nights ever.
“That was exciting for me but more so for my family back home. All the people in Kenya were watching the Champions League, the whole country watched me play and they were very proud, especially when I scored a goal.
“I had many messages and phone calls everyone in the nation was delighted. The Barcelona game was one of the greatest nights ever. They have a whole team of world-class players so beating them was part of a great campaign for us.”
Wanyama is Celtic’s most valuable asset less than two years after signing from Belgian side Beerschot with Premiership clubs monitoring his development closely.
Despite that interest the 21-year-old has his sights set on staying with Celtic and is already looking forward to next season’s European campaign.
“I believe we can go beyond the last 16 in the Champions League,” he added. “We were close to doing that this year but we had a little bit of a problem playing as a team in the knockout stage for the first time.
“We’ve learned from our mistakes and next time I believe we can do better. People say a Scottish club can never win the Champions League but in football you never know.
“Look at a club like Borussia Dortmund. They have come from nowhere. If we work hard and stick together we can also be like Dortmund- a top club.
“It’s a big challenge and I expect to be here to help in it. I’m still a Celtic player and I expect to be here next season because I still have a contract.
“It has been great winning trophies here and we’ll see what will happen next season.”
I think if Victor shows allegiance then others will follow suit. I do believe he is our “prize asset” and its a breath of fresh air to see that he appreciates what Lennon and Celtic have done for him and he has unfinished business. 1 of Europe’s Top leagues awaits but in due course…
I for 1 would make him a TOP earner immediately and simply reap the rewards of doin so on so many different levels – none more important than bolstering his sell on value.
This guy is the real deal and makes the difference more often than not imo – he’s doin the # 67 jersey proud HH 1VW YNWA
I think he’s genuine. I hope he’s not just tring to play his contract out. I’m hoping of waking up one morning and seeing “Wanyama signs new 4 year deal with celtic”
Think that would possibly give me a chubby ha
I think the club have been giving the team hope that were gonna step it up this season, get a couple of quality players to make the team champions league dream go further. Sounds like some enthusiasim in the dressing room from what I’ve been seeing. Hope I’m right