LEGENDARY former AC Milan defender has paid tribute to the 'extraordinary support' at Celtic Park - admitting his regret that the Rossoneri didn't get to sample a fully-packed Parkhead when they visited last year.

The Italian giants were drawn alongside the Premiership champions in the group stages of the Europa League, and walked out 3-1 winners in Glasgow's east end.

Maldini, who now works as a technical director at the San Siro, said it was a shame that the game was played behing closed doors due as the nation grapples with the coronavirus pandemic - because it meant his players missed out on experiencing the famous raucous atmosphere on European nights.

Glasgow Times:

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Ahead of Milan's clash with Juventus on Wenesday, he told Sky Sport Italia: "It's Milan vs Juventus without an audience, all my greatest memories are tied to the participation of the fans.

"It's a less emotional and exciting kind of football.

"In Glasgow we played without fans and it was an advantage for us, but I told the lads it was a shame for them to play at Celtic Park without that extraordinary support."

Maldini visited Parkhead three times as a player and previously revealed his admiration for the stadium.

Glasgow Times:

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Speaking at the time, he said: "Every professional footballer should seek to play at least one game at Celtic Park.

"I have never felt anything like it."