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Champions League finalist reveals Celtic and Rangers ambition as he makes 'something we need' claim Former international defender makes candid admission over Old Firm transfer. A two-time Champions League finalist admits that it was his dream to play for Celtic or Rangers in an Old Firm derby as part of his illustrious career. Former Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld won league titles in the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium during his successful 17-year career. He was also a key part of the Belgium squad that finished third at the World Cup in 2018. Capped 127 times by his country, he played at the highest level and reached the final of the Champions League with Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, but confessed that one of his biggest career regrets is that he never had the chance to sample an Old Firm derby as a player, revealing that he used to watch the fierce rivals battle on TV regularly. “I never found myself on a path to Celtic or Rangers during my career,” said Alderweireld. “But playing in the Old Firm derby was always a dream. I think it’s everyone’s dream, like it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Scotland is an unbelievable country for football: the atmosphere, the culture, and the way they are so passionate. “That's something that you don't have in Europe, I think, and the Old Firm is so historical too. When I was playing in England, it was always on TV and I watched it. That sort of rivalry is something we need in football. It makes it very special.” The 37-year-old, who retired from football three years ago, also believes that Celtic should approach one of his former national team bosses when Martin O’Neill finally steps away from his role at Parkhead, saying his “obsessive” nature would make him a perfect fit for the Scottish champions. “Roberto Martinez is a manager who I loved to play for,” said Alderweireld via Hajper. “We had a connection when he was manager of the Belgium national team and we finished third at the World Cup. He has his critics but who am I to judge? He is a real gentleman, obsessed with football and tactics, and I love to see him succeed. “Maybe not all the biggest Premier League clubs are coming in for him now but he could be a good manager for a big club in Europe like Celtic to get some strong results and I wish him the very best wherever he goes to show how good he truly is. He was there at my farewell game when I retired at Royal Antwerp and he’s just an unbelievably good person and a very good manager so I hope someone makes the right decision and the right choice to let him prove how good he can be.” Comments Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.