Novo stunned by hatred

I could never play for Celtic, says Spanish striker

Last updated: 5th October 2008

Novo stunned by hatred

Novo: Would never join Celtic

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Rangers striker Nacho Novo claims he has received death threats as part of the Old Firm rivalry and insists he could never play for Celtic.

Novo chose Rangers ahead of Celtic when he left Dundee in 2004 and according to the Spaniard, that has not been forgotten by the Parkhead fans.

He said: "Rivalry between the teams remains something more than sporting. I have even received death threats this year.

"I have seen on YouTube there is a video with a guy singing with his guitar that he hopes I die. That kind of thing has an impact on you.

Threatening

"In the four years I have been here, I have been through everything. Every time I face Celtic, the tyres of my car are punctured, the windows of my house are broken and I have been sent threatening letters. It is a pretty disagreeable situation."

Novo, quoted in the Mail on Sunday via a Spanish football magazine, added: "Rangers have treated me so well, the fans have become like a family to me.

"No matter how much money was put in front of me, I would never sign for Celtic."