Like every other player who has worn the Hoops, Joe Ledley has found himself meeting Celtic fans wherever he goes, whether that’s on the school run in Cardiff or on holiday.

There is an instant connection, and the Welshman, who represented his country with distinction on 77 occasions, is delighted to look back on some great moments in his career and in Celtic’s history.

“The main one is obviously when I scored the header against Rangers,” he said, “and then the Barcelona game in the Champions League is one they always reminisce and talk about.

'The Barcelona game was just one of those game that I don’t think anybody could believe it, especially the team they had – Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and it was just one of those nights where it was unbelievable.'

“The atmosphere was just rocking and you couldn’t hear anyone speak. When that whistle went you just couldn’t believe it.

“When you’re playing, you’re always concentrating on the next game and playing week in, week out.

“But when you retire that’s when you think about what you’ve achieved, playing in the Champions League, winning leagues, winning trophies, playing against the best players in the world – you pinch yourself and realise how lucky you are as a person and as a player as well.

“And that’s the reason why I came to Celtic – to play in the Champions League and test myself, and win trophies, and I’m so glad it was the right decision and everything worked out the way it did. So I’m very grateful to have got the opportunity to play for Celtic.”

Joe Ledley is looking forward to Celtic FC Foundation’s Legends Charity Match at Paradise on Sunday, May 26 (KO: 2pm), and the Welshman is sure to get the warmest of welcomes from supporters on the day.

He’s delighted to be coming back to one of his favourite places in football, but he’s also aware of the real reason for the game and why it’s so important for fans to come out on the day.

“I’ve done a few things for the Foundation now,” he said, “and it’s a great cause for me to come back, and for the Foundation to want me and to invite me there is great as well.

'So I’m looking forward to it. I’ve spoken to a few of the former players and they’re excited. It is a great honour for us, as former players, to come back and represent Celtic again.'

“It’s going to be a fantastic game and we’ve got some great players coming back, and Borussia Dortmund are a big team and it’s a great charity to raise money for as well.

“So hopefully we can get as many fans in and hopefully get the result and put the performance in as well!”

TICKET PRICES

The Legends Charity Match promises to be a fantastic occasion for all the family and tickets are on general sale now, priced at:

Adults - £15
Concessions - £7

BUY TICKETS ONLINE

MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY

A range of Matchday Hospitality packages are available for the Legends Charity Match at Celtic Park, starting at just £30 per person.

You can register your interest in these packages here or check celticfc.com regularly for the latest updates.

SUPPORTING CELTIC FC FOUNDATION

Funds raised through the match will focus on feeding people in need of support, to reflect the heritage of the club and respond to the current cost of living crisis, which is overwhelming so many families and individuals.

This will include continuation and development of Celtic FC Foundation’s Paradise Pit Stop project at Celtic Park. In addition, we will look to secure new locations for food provision with local partners in Inverclyde and Lanarkshire, plus London and Ireland to complement our current delivery of key projects in those areas.

With Scott Brown set to captain the side, we’re delighted to confirm that a donation will also be made to Dundee Cancer Centre at Ninewells Hospital, in memory of his sister Fiona, who sadly passed away in 2008 aged just 21

Joe Ledley: Playing in Foundation Charity Match will bring back special Paradise memories