Jose Goncalves is buzzing for Hearts ' Europa League showdown with Zurich. And he's already snapped up ten tickets, even if they are for a Celtic supporting mate.
The Jambos take on the Swiss cracks looking to spark a comeback having narrowly lost the first leg in St Gallen. Robbie Neilson's team led through a Lawrence Shankland penalty but some slack defending means the Swiss Super League champions bring a 2-1 lead to Gorgie.
Former Tynecastle cult hero Goncalves, though, reckons a ferocious atmosphere in front of a sold out crowd could see his old side through in Edinburgh. He spent four years at the club between 2006-10 and later played for St Gallen, Sion, and indeed Zurich in Switzerland, but reveals it's still Robbie Neilson 's team who have a special place in his heart. And he's already hoovered up some tickets for a Celtic supporting friend who wants to back Goncalves' former side.
Goncalves explained: "It's going to be very loud, Tynecastle is sold out and 20,000 fans will feel like 50,000 in this stadium. The fans are practically on the pitch and they give their players an unbelievable boost and energy. The Scots will run for ninety minutes and tackle as much as they can - every tackle will be hugely celebrated.
"If they have the ball, it will be straight up the pitch. We will have to be on it from the very first seconds of the game. It's going to be very difficult. But I am convinced that we can do it.
"For me personally, I have played for many clubs, but Hearts was where I had the best time as a footballer. When I made my first tackle at Tynecastle and the whole stadium cheered me, I knew I would like it there. I still have very good friends there today.
"I have got ten tickets for a friend of mine in Scotland. But he and his family have been Celtic fans for generations. I got him tickets for our section because he supports me and told me he certainly doesn't want to sit with the Hearts fans!
"Hearts are stiil the same club as when I was there and I played with goalkeeper Craig Gordon and manager Robbie Neilson. We became cup winners and were second in the league together. They are great guys. Typical Scots.
"Scottish players have a great mentality and they can run for 90 minutes. They are honest, fair, guys who always give everything."
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