WORLD BEATER
BY MICHAEL GANNON
CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN insists becoming a Hampden hero was better than winning the World Cup.
The Celtic match winner was part of the France squad who won the top prize on the planet at Under-20 level in 2013.
Jullien didn’t get off the bench that day but played a starring role as Celts sunk bitter rivals Rangers to claim the Betfred Cup yesterday.
The big defender struck the crucial goal with a sweetlytaken volley as Neil Lennon’s men produced a sensational smash-and-grab victory in the torrential Hampden rain.
Jullien reckons the occasion has shot right to the top of his achievements in football – even above his World Cup triumph.
He said: “It’s unbelievable. One of the best days ever. This goal gave me a trophy and there are no words for it.
“It’s hard to describe how good it felt rushing towards the fans at the end.
“It’s been a long, long time since I had a medal around my neck. Probably the Under-20 World Cup with France and I didn’t play in the Final.
“Was this better? For sure. To play, to score, everything was perfect.”
TV replays suggest Jullien was a fraction offside but he couldn’t have cared less. The Frenchman was too busy celebrating to notice the protests and then it was getting his mind back to business to make sure Celts could see it out. Jullien said: “Sometimes I start offside and then go back. But I didn’t look around. I was too busy enjoying the moment.
“I had to be balanced though and stay in the zone. It was early and there was time left so we had to stay focused.”
Jullien soaked up the celebrations but was aware Celtic got out of jail.
But he also knows it took a huge amount of heart for the Hoops to see it out in the most difficult of situations.
It was hard enough hanging on with Rangers well on top.
But the red card to Jeremie
Frimpong left shattered Celts with 10 men and a long way to the finishing line.
Jullien said: “The first half was really bad and we wanted to come back in the second. We got in front but the red card changed everything.
“We had to show strength of character, mentality, all of our qualities. Of course Fraser was unbelievable.
“But we kept our order. We were not too happy defensively in the last couple of games but when you are down like in this scenario it is very difficult.
“It just makes it all the more enjoyable. You could see the emotion at the end. I don’t get many of my family coming over for games but there was so many there.”
Jullien admitted there wasn’t just joy at keeping Celtic’s incredible trophy run going as they made it 10 gongs in a row.
There was also relief in hopping about the Parkhead gravy train and keeping it on the rails.
Jullien said: “This has been one of the hardest moves of my life but at the same time the simplest.
“The club is unbelievable from the players, the staff to the fans. But this is a team that has won everything and it’s difficult. You don’t want to be the one who messes up.
“I’ve listened a lot to the likes of Broony, Callum and they have taught me a lot.
“I didn’t need to be told before I signed. I saw they won a lot and I also talked with Odsonne. He told me this is a club which wins trophies and loves being successful. That is why I came here.
“This is the first and I hope there is many more to come.”
Celtic’s win at Hampden was more than just another trophy. It was also a savage blow to rivals Rangers.
Jullien said: “I don’t know. I don’t play for Rangers. If I did I wouldn’t have this medal around my neck.
“It’s their problem and none of my business.”
CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN ON HIS CUP GLORY