Charlie Smith 
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has admitted he was almost in tears of joy after scoring on his first competitive start following a lengthy absence, the Daily Mail report.
Griffiths’ first-half goal was his first for eight months after taking an extended break from football last year to deal with depression.
The fan favourite fired in a stunning free-kick in Wednesday’s 5-0 victory over Estonian champions Nomme Kalju, with Neil Lennon’s side all but booking their place in the next round of Champions League qualifiers.
Kristoffer Ajer, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie were also on the scoresheet as Celtic sealed a five-star performance, with the return leg set to take place next Tuesday.
And talking to the media after his first Celtic start following his come back, Griffiths shared his delight at his goalscoring return, admitting he was close to tears after the ball hit the back of the net shortly before the break.
I think my last goal for Celtic was a free-kick away to Hamilton and it was nice to get another one. I would have taken a one-yard tap-in. I was delighted to get back on the scoresheet.
My kids were watching back home and I had friends in the stand. I was close to crying, I’m not going to lie. But I just had to refocus, see the half out and make sure we didn’t do anything stupid.
Griffiths went on to add that the strike was up there with his national heroics against England back in 2017.
It was up there with the England moments. Right at the very top.
I think you could tell how much I enjoyed it by my reaction. Words can’t actually describe how good a feeling it was when the ball hit the back of the net.
A lot of things went through my mind. So much hard work has been put in, not just by me but the backroom staff and everyone connected with myself.
People have worked so hard with me to get me back on the pitch and I can’t score goals without my team-mates. That was a bit of payback for all that and it’s just the start. That’s me up and running for the season and, hopefully, there is a lot more to come.
The 28-year-old will more than likely play a key role in Celtic’s upcoming campaign and will be hoping to add to his 12 major honours with the club.
