Celtic cult hero Enrico Annoni – They called him Tarzan. We called him Rico

Enrico Annoni or just Rico to the Celtic supporters was a popular player during his spell at the club and is still fondly remembered as he enjoys something of a cult status amongst the Hoops faithful.

Rico Annoni was signed for just £300k by Tommy Burns

Signed by Tommy Burns for £300,000 from Roma in early 1997, Rico who was dubbed ‘Tarzan’ by the Roma tifosi was described as a no-nonsense defender who could play at right back or in the centre of defence and was the type of character and player our squad was desperately crying out for.

Rico started his career in his homeland with Como before making the move to Torino who he helped to win the Coppa Italia as well as playing in a UEFA cup final. He soon moved to Roma and became a regular fixture in his first two seasons with the Gaillorossi before falling out of favour in his third season hence his move to Glasgow.

He made his debut in a 2-0 win over Hearts at Celtic Park and was regular fixture in the squad in the seasons conclusion firmly establishing himself as something of a cult hero due to his shaven head and no-nonsense attitude, and his fondness for wearing Celtic gloves and an array of coloured boots, mostly green and white of course.

“Celtic will always remain in my heart. I am proud and happy to have worn these colours” Enrico Annoni 

Rico played his part in our successful 1997/98 campaign which saw us win our first league title in a decade and stopping the dreaded ten in the process. One of his most stand out contributions in that season was his outstanding performance in the New Year Old Firm win over Rangers FC in which he completely snuffed out the threat of Laudrup.

He was also part of Celtic’s League cup winning side at Ibrox against Dundee United and is fondly remembered for his colourful post match celebrations.

That season would prove to be Rico’s best in a Hoops jersey as a combination of being overlooked and injury plagued what proved to be his final year in Glasgow.

A much loved  cult icon in the eyes of the Celtic supporters

All in all Rico made 50 appearances for the club and won a League title and League Cup. He may not have been the most talented player to have graced the Hoops, but his never say die attitude and commitment made him very much a cult icon in the eyes of the Celtic supporters.

Rico himself still feels a strong connection with the club once remarking: “Celtic will always remain in my heart. I am proud and happy to have worn these colours”.

The feelings mutual Rico, you will always have a place in the heart of the Celtic supporters and be a popular member of the Celtic family. Once a Celt…