Wednesday 13 April 2016 12:59, UK
Former Celtic striker Henrik Larsson says no game comes close to matching the rivalry of a Glasgow derby.
Larsson, who scored 242 goals in 313 appearances for the Hoops, has sampled El Clasico during his time with Barcelona but insists it falls a long way short of the atmosphere created by matches between Celtic and Rangers.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ ahead of this weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final, the Champions League winner said: "It is the most exciting game to play in but it is also a game where you need to handle your emotions.
"I have never experienced, either before or after, anything like these games. It is the best atmosphere and the most fierce encounters that I ever played in."
Asked to pick his favourite game against Rangers, Larsson, now in charge of Helsingborgs in Sweden, had no hesitation in singling out the 6-2 victory of August 2000.
Chris Sutton opened and finished the scoring in Martin O'Neill's first encounter with Rangers at Celtic Park with Larsson (two), Paul Lambert and Stan Petrov also on the mark against Dick Advocaat's champions.
"I know I scored a lot of goals in those games, but the 6-2 game (is favourite), also the 5-1 game (November 1998) and the ones at Hampden. But any game you win when you play against your biggest rivals are obviously the best ones."
Larsson believes Rangers' promotion to the top flight will provide a timely boost for the Scottish Premiership next season.
Rangers secured their place among the country's top sides following a 1-0 victory over Championship rivals Dumbarton last Tuesday, just five days before they clinched the Petrofac Training Cup with a 4-0 win over League One Peterhead.
"I think it is good for the Scottish game and good for Celtic for the competition even though it seems they have had a fair amount of competition as it is at the moment," added the 44-year-old who won four SPL titles, two Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup during his time at Celtic.
"But I think it is only good as it will mean the competition will be more fierce again and that's vital for the Scottish game."
Watch the Glasgow derby on Sky Sports 2 HD from 11am this Sunday.
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