Camilo Durán Makes Champions League Claim Celtic Fans Will Love

Camilo Durán has made no secret of how much playing in the Champions League with Celtic would mean to him ahead of next month’s qualifier.

The striker arrived in Glasgow this summer and has already spoken positively about settling into life at the club, but the prospect of returning to Europe’s top competition clearly carries extra importance.

Durán featured in the Champions League last season and believes that experience can help him as Celtic prepare for a tie that will play a major part in shaping the campaign.

Speaking on CelticPlayer, he said: “Yes, of course. It was always a dream of mine to play in the Champions League and last season it went so well for me.

“So that’s so important for me to play with Celtic in the Champions League.”

Celtic know how much is riding on the qualifier. Reaching the league phase would bring a major financial boost, but just as importantly, it would give Martin O’Neill’s side the chance to test themselves against some of the best teams in Europe.

Durán will be hoping to play a part in getting them there.

The forward has made a bright start in pre-season and has already shown signs that he can offer Celtic a different option through the middle. His movement, physical presence and willingness to lead the line could all prove useful when the competitive games begin.

For Durán, the Champions League is not just another competition. It is a stage he has already experienced and one he clearly wants to return to as a Celtic player.

That ambition should only add to his determination over the coming weeks as he looks to secure a regular place in O’Neill’s side.

Celtic still have work to do before the qualifier, both on the training pitch and in the transfer market, but Durán’s comments show that the importance of the tie is already clear inside the squad.

The striker came to Glasgow looking for the next step in his career, and helping Celtic reach the Champions League would be a major way to start.