‘Heartbroken’ Moravcik reveals Venglos rekindled his love for football at Celtic
Lubomir Moravcik has paid a heartfelt tribute to his mentor, Dr Jozef Venglos, who re-ignited his love for football by taking him to Celtic.
The 84-year-old died on Tuesday, and fan favourite Moravcik added his comments to the growing number of tributes to the manager, who picked up the Slovakian
for a bargain £300,000 and brought him to Scotland.
It proved a shrewd signing, both for the club and for the player with Moravcik revealing the coach’s influential role in his life – and how Celtic kept him involved in the game.
Moravcik said: “My condolences go out to Dr Jo's family and their loved ones. I am deeply saddened by the news asihaveknownhimforalmost 35 years. It has left me heartbroken. I sat and watched footage of us together during our days in football and the many happy moments we shared.”
After first meeting during World Cup qualifiers for Italia 90, Venglos and Moravick combined to take Czechoslovakia to the tournament and teamed up again in 1998 at Celtic Park, when the maverick midfielder’s career had stalled.
“To be honest, I was thinking about giving up football at that stage,” Moravcik revealed.
“But Dr Jo was the manager of Celtic and asked me if I wanted to join him and play for a massive football club.
"He trusted my ability and told me it would be perfect for my career and make me fall in love with football again. He assured me it would be a successful move. Well, he was right.”