Rangers' Euro foes hail ‘one-club man' James Forrest after Celtic hero's incredible goal streak continues
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ATHLETIC BILBAO knocked Rangers out of the Europa League last month - then rubbed salt into the wounds by showing appreciation for Celtic winger James Forrest today.
The La Liga outfit were quick to congratulate the veteran wide-man after he scored in his 16th consecutive season when he found the net in stoppage time against St Mirren.
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James Forrest brings the trophy to the pitch
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
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Celtic and Athletic Bilbao players before the testimonial
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
The Spanish giants are a club Forrest knows well having played against them at Parkhead for his testimonial back in 2023.
But the unique friendship between Celtic and Athletic Bilbao goes back another 12 years before that when the two teams met in a friendly.
Since then they have fostered a deep connection, with appreciation for each other's traditions and identity.
In 2019, the club honoured Hoops legend Billy McNeill with their One Club Man award and he was even given a standing ovation by Bilbao fans when his daughter and former team mate John Clark accepted the award on his behalf.
Four years later when the club was chosen to be the opponents for Forrest's big day, Spanish directors laid flowers at McNeill's statue outside Celtic Park.
Now the club have compared Forrest to the legendary former captain after his fairytale moment in the final game of the season.
Rangers' Europa League foes hailed him as a "legend" and a "one-club man" following his heroics against St Mirren.
Sharing Celtic's appreciation post on the winger, Bilbao wrote on X: "🍀👏 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱. One-Club Man in the making."
Manager Brendan Rodgers also waxed lyrical about the 33-year-old at full-time.
'He's created the narrative,' Rodgers said.
Celtic fans start to gather in Glasgow as they celebrate their team winning the Scottish Premiership
'It was a brilliant way to end what has been a fantastic league campaign for us.
'We got there in the end and it was a wonderful feeling for James and for everyone in the stadium. I'm so pleased for him.
'I think at any level, but to do it at a club like this here and at any big club where there's pressures, it's a remarkable achievement. It's testament to him and his hunger, his desire, his professionalism, all the things that it takes to be a top player.
'You think as a wide player as well, at a club like this where there's a constant stream of wingers and people coming in to take your place.
'There was so much goodwill for James to do it and you sensed it as the season came towards the end.
'But the noise was absolutely amazing. I think it would have happened earlier if he hadn't been injured this season, but absolutely amazing for him and his family and clearly for us and it gives the stadium a real good feeling.'
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