Mohammed Abdul Salim - "Indian
Juggler-New Style"
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND. Celtic were not only the first British club to win the European
Cup, they were also the first European club to field an Asian player.
Additionally, he performed in his bare feet.
After showing amazing skills as an essential member of Calcutta's
Mohammedan Sporting Club side, a cousin urged Salim to try his hand
at European football. During his trial at Celtic Park, which came
after an enduring boat trip via Cairo and London, Salim's ability
in his bare feet astonished Willie Maley.
On his debut in 1937, Salim proved to be exceptional in helping
Celtic win 5-1. In his second match against Galston, Celtic won
7-1 and his performance led the Scottish Daily Express to write:
"Indian Juggler - New Style. Ten twinkling toes of Salim, Celtic
FC's player from India, hypnotised the crowd at Parkhead. He balances
the ball on his big toe, lets it run down the scale to his little
toe, twirls it, and hops on one foot around the defender."
Did he perhaps wear the number seven on his back?
Now available in yellow print on a green tee.
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