Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths said he had to hold back the tears after scoring against Nomme Kalju last night.
The Hoops star gave a telling reminder of his talent when he hit a superb free kick in the 5-0 win in the Champions League qualifier:
— CelticBible (@CelticBible) 24 July 2019
Griffiths has been sidelined because of personal problems but after the match, he said he was thrilled to hit the back of the net for the first time since November last year:
“It’s up there with the England moments if I’m honest. A big thank you to my team-mates and everyone connected with the club – if it wasn’t for them then I wouldn’t be back on the pitch.”
“Hopefully that’s the start of more goals. My kids were watching me and I had friends in the stands too. I was close to crying.”
Supporters on Twitter are absolutely delighted to see the 28-year-old back in the goals:
Already goal of the season
— john Docherty (@jdoc76) 24 July 2019
Buzzing??
— claire mcvey (@claire7373) 24 July 2019
@kierensmith_ some strike!! ???
— Garry Smith (@Garryjsmith) 24 July 2019
Hes backkkkkk!!!
— StevenM (@SMportlandtn) 24 July 2019
Absolute Peach!
— Bankie (@bankie67) 25 July 2019
Best Scottish free taker this century..
— Citizen O’Kane ?️ (@mjnokane) 25 July 2019
You can see how much this means to him before he takes it! His post match interview too was full of emotion! Glad to have him back ?
— Claire McMillan (@Faldo31) 25 July 2019
Fantastic for Griff. So pleased for him! Welcome back!
— Eddy Grady (@EddyGrady) 25 July 2019
A Griff special many more tae come HH
— Martin Macfarlane (@MartinMacfarl10) 25 July 2019
@RyanAdair563 best in striker in the league
— Charlie Barr ?? (@charlie_barr_9) 25 July 2019
It was a special strike, and it will hopefully help Griffiths as he looks to get back to doing what he does best on the pitch.
The second leg should now be a formality for Celtic, with other goals coming from Callum McGregor, Kristoffer Ajer and a brace from Ryan Christie. They face Nomme Kalju in Estonia on Tuesday night.