Tonight’s showdown between Melbourne Victory and Manchester United is set to be a memorable occasion at the MCG.
It’s also evoked life-changing memories for Billy Celeski.
The former Victory midfielder was on the field when a sea of more than 95,000 fans greeted the A-League Men club and Premier League giants Liverpool in 2013.
Manchester United v Melbourne Victory
Friday, July 15
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
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It formed part of an unforgettable fortnight for one-time Socceroo Celeski, who suited up for the A-Leagues All Stars to face United in front of 83,127 spectators at ANZ Stadium four days earlier in Sydney.
And to cap it all off, Celeski sealed a move to UAE Pro League outfit Al-Shaab days later.
“Reflecting – The fortnight that blew my mind!,” Celeski – a Premiership and Championship winner with Victory in 2008-09 – wrote via LinkedIn.
“To this day, I still look back at July 14, 2013 as the start of 14 days that changed my life and still makes me smile!
“In 2013, two of football’s powerhouses, Manchester United and Liverpool rolled into town to kick off their pre season tours.
“14th July, I am selected to represent the A-Leagues All Stars and head into camp for a week in Sydney. (the 14th is also the day I am born)
“20th July, I walk out onto the ANZ Stadium pitch with my team-mates and play in front of 83,127 spectators including my family that travelled! (it is also my wife’s birthday)
“Four days later, 24th July, I am back in Melbourne Victory colours playing against Liverpool at the MCG in front of 95,466 supporters!!
“I am a life long Liverpool Football Club fan, this was so surreal.
“The crowd was a sea of red.
“I can still remember the buzz, the atmosphere, the adrenaline, and pausing to take it all in.
“178,593 people in the space of 4days!
“28th July, I am on a plane on the way to the UAE to sign a contract with an overseas club – a life-long goal to play abroad achieved.
“Many years later, my daughter is also born in July.
“Take time to reflect, nostalgia stirs up great emotions.”
