RYAN CHRISTIE says he is having the time of his life after helping Scotland to the European Championships once again, but one of the heroes of Serbia managed to stop short of crying this time around.
Christie famously let his emotions get the better of him in an iconic interview after his goal helped Scotland to finally break their major tournament drought a couple of years ago.
He managed to just about hold it together after Scotland’s 3-3 draw with Norway on a party night at Hampden, but he was still overjoyed to help his country to Germany, with life going brilliantly now both on and off the pitch.
“It’s been an amazing time,” Christie said.
“Especially down the road, we’ve settled and I’ve signed a new contract and I’m loving it at the minute. It’s a pleasure to come away every time we get to come away with Scotland. The feeling you get meeting up with everyone you cherish.
“It’s 100 per cent one of the happiest times of my life. When I was growing up I hoped to play for my country, but because I never saw [us qualify] growing up I never thought I’d get the chance to represent my country at a Euros.
“Hopefully I’ll get to do it next summer. To do that is one of the biggest achievements in football so I certainly don’t take it for granted.
“I’m not as emotional tonight but you’ll get me going! I’ve grown up a little bit .. I’m used to it now!”
Christie says there is a determination within the Scotland squad to now make a better fist of it on the big stage than they ultimately managed to at Euro 2020.
“Everybody is buzzing for it already,” he said.
“We have to try and put it on the backburner and not think about it. There’s a break before we meet up in March and then the preparations starts for Germany.
“I’m pretty sure Scotland fans will travel in their numbers and take over certain parts of Germany so I can’t wait.
“The dressing room was great [after the game]. It’s important to enjoy these moments when they come along. Over the last couple of generations it’s not happened much. So when it does happen you need to enjoy it, especially with how close this squad is.
“Everyone enjoys it together, the whole staff and everybody. Credit to the manager for instilling that feeling.
“It’s definitely played a massive part in getting us where we are.”
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