Celta Vigo striker John Guidetti has revealed his excitement at the prospect of participating in a European final in his home city of Stockholm.
This season’s Europa League decider will be played in the Swedish city at the end of the month, with the 25-year-old striker stating it is an extra motivation for him ahead of Celta’s last four clash with Manchester United.
“It would be like a fairy-tale ending to be at the Friends Arena, in my home town Stockholm,” the Swede told UEFA.com.
“It would be great for a Stockholmer to get the opportunity to step onto the pitch, but it has to be earned.
“Of course, it's very sad what happened to [fellow Swede] Zlatan [Ibrahimović, who will miss the remainder of the tournament through injury].
“With how much he has meant for Swedish football, he has also earned the right to play in the final at the Friends Arena. Unfortunately he is unlikely to be able to play, so I wish him a speedy recovery.
“We've made history [by reaching the semi-final] and it's something that might never happen again in Celta's history, so I'm just trying to enjoy this moment.
“We don't want it to end here. Hopefully we'll make it to Stockholm and half the stadium will be blue. That would be a dream come true.”
The former Manchester City striker also upped the ante ahead of the game against his old side’s former rivals, saying ‘Manchester is blue’.
“I played in England and lived in Manchester for six years so I follow both of the teams there,” he added.
“[United are] a very good team. Obviously they've got a good manager, a fantastic stadium, and they're one of the favourites to win the Europa League, but as they say "Manchester is blue" and that's how it will be when we visit there as well, because we are Celta Vigo and we will try to keep the city blue.”
