Ex-Real Madrid star compares Rangers to Argentina giants Boca

Fabio Cannavaro has recalled visiting Rangers during his time with Parma and claims Ibrox can only be matched by the iconic Boca Juniors arena La Bombanera.

The legendary Italian centre-back – who is the last defender to win a Balon d’Or (2006) – was speaking about Rangers’ iconic 2-0 victory over Parma back in 1999.

The Parma team was strewn with legends including Gigi Buffon, Lillian Thuram and Ariel Ortega, but they fell to a rampant Rangers courtesy of goals from Tony Vidmar and Claudio Reyna.

Whilst eventual Real Madrid icon Fabio Cannavaro was sent off in the match, it’s a game he remembers fondly for the outstanding atmosphere produced inside Ibrox by the Rangers fans.

Claiming he’s “never seen anything like” the Blue Sea of Ibrox on the crest of a wave, the legendary the former Juventus defender claims only Boca Juniors and La Bombanera compare in terms of raw emotion.

“I remember that game very well and it was mad!” Fabio Cannavaro told Four Four Two.

“I was also at the Stadio San Paolo as Maradona was starring and that was unique – only La Bombonera in Buenos Aires could compare to it [Ibrox] for emotion.

“Nevertheless, I’ll never forget that night in Glasgow. Wow – I was really impressed.

“Despite being sent off, I have fantastic memories of the game: walking onto the pitch, listening to the Champions League Anthem, seeing that red, white and blue wall… I had never seen anything like that.”

Fabio Cannavaro remembers Rangers v Parma

Whilst Rangers have had some huge European moments in recent years, it’s telling that the clash with Parma stands out still in the annals of Continental football history.

It’s not just Fabio Cannavaro who always speaks highly of his trip to Rangers, with legendary teammate Gigi Buffon naming Ibrox in his top three stadiums.

For Rangers fans, we’ve always let our famous ground do the talking with another iconic atmosphere produced in the 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven.

Others – even some geographically close to us – might talk a good game when it comes to creating an atmosphere but we let the stadium do the talking.

And when Fabio Cannavaro speaks so highly of Rangers, football sits back and listens.