Lennon receives call from pop icon after Barca win

Lennon receives call from pop icon after Barca win

Published Nov. 9, 2012 6:11 p.m. ET

Rod Stewart wasn't the only pop icon to be overcome by emotion at Celtic's stunning victory over mighty Barcelona in the Champions League.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said Friday he received a surprise phone call from Elton John after one of the greatest results in the Scottish club's history.

''I had a lot of texts from people in the game which was fantastic but I got a call yesterday from left field from Sir Elton John, believe it or not, congratulating me,'' Lennon said.

''I thought my missus was winding me up but it just shows you the interest it has generated among a lot of people.''

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Stewart, a devoted Celtic fan, was spotted by television cameras crying at Parkhead after his team's unexpected 2-1 win over the team widely regard as the best in the world.

The 65-year-old John has deeper links to the sport, as he was once chairman of English side Watford in the 1970s and `80s.

''I don't think he was as emotional as Rod but he did tell me when he was chairman of Watford and they got to the 1984 FA Cup final he was so emotional that he did cry before the game,'' Lennon said.

''He was very knowledgeable about the game and knew a lot about myself and it was great that he took time out to call me, as he is going to Australia on tour.''

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