braafheid: my world cup dream

Mark Henderson
EDSON BRAAFHEID has a World Cup dream and he is determined to fulfil it. The Dutch internationalist grew up watching the famous Oranje teams of the past as they graced themselves on the game’s biggest stage.

There began a lifelong ambition. So when there was a possibility it may be taken from his grasp - he took action. 

When the 26-year-old had concerns that he wasn’t getting sufficient game time at Bayern Munich and heard of Celtic’s interest, the full-back had no hesitation in coming to Scotland to get regular football.

Nothing would jeopardise his place on the plane to South Africa and he spoke exclusively to this week’s Celtic View about his goal.   

“I think it’s a dream for any footballer,” Braafheid told the View. “Anyone that plays football, dreams of playing football at the biggest tournament in the world. I have also worked really hard and came to Celtic to play more.

“At Bayern, I had to wait for my chances and I didn’t have the patience to wait, but I think for any footballer, it is a dream that can come true and when it’s this close you need to go for it.

“You know it’s one thing to be proud of being in the national team and that you belong with the best players of your country, but it’s another thing to play in the World Cup, to play with the best players of your country against the best players of other countries.

“I remember, van Basten, Gullit and Riijkard and also the European Cup, which was also good. But I watched the World Cup every time and it’s a strange feeling you get when you are watching I, but I think it will be multiplied when you play during it and experience it for yourself. So now the possibility is there for me and I will do anything to be there.”

For the full interview with Edson Braafheid, check out this week’s Celtic View.

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