After his encounter with Celtic fans in Sarajevo Ilir Meta has got himself a Celtic shirt and posted a picture wearing his hoops on twitter.
The President of Albania was on diplomatic duties in the Bosnian capital when he heard the songs of a group of Celtic fans and decided to get involved.
Meta was welcomed into the gathering and joined in a song as the fans warmed up for the first game of the new season.
#GoodMorning! This photo today is dedicated to the extraordinary @CelticFCs fans???? around the????. This shirt is a gift from my friend #RudiVata. After the meeting in Sarajevo I believe in: “Once you’re a Celt you’re always a Celt … Hail Hail????????” #celticfans #FKSCEL @CelticTV pic.twitter.com/mDRR9OFmRM
— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) July 11, 2019
President Meta didn’t manage along to the match but would have been pleased to find out that Rudi Vata’s old club enjoyed a 3-1 win to virtually book their place in the second round which is likely to involve a trip to nearby Macedonia.
Around 300 Celtic fans made the trip to Bosnia for the match, after enjoying a day or two of sunshine the weather took on a more Glasgow feel with torrential rain during the first half as they celebrated Mikey Johnston’s equaliser behind the goal in an open terrace.
Celtic’s only match in Albania was in 1979 when they lost 1-0 to Partizan, in the return leg the hoops won 4-1 to set up a second round clash with Irish champions Dundalk.
I wish you only victories and I salute you with this unforgettable goal of Rudi Vata in the Derby of your life!???? @CelticFC #GR8since1888 #RudiVata #FKSCEL #UCL @CelticView @CelticTV #celticfans pic.twitter.com/6FPVBuzAnE
— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) July 11, 2019