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Fullname: Ramon Vega
Born: 14 June 1971
Birthplace: Olten, Switzerland
Height: 6.03
Weight: 13st
Signed: 15 December 2000 (on loan)
Left: 14 June 2001 (to Watford!)
Position: Defender/Central Defender
Debut: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen, League, 16 Dec 2000
Internationals: Switzerland
International Caps: 28
International Goals: 1

Biog

When it comes to Ramon Vega, you can view his Celtic career in two ways, take your pick:

Option 1

Some players make really stupid mistakes which can mark out their careers as dismally as the decision they make. This can be best illustrated by none other than Ramon Vega.

He may have the name of a “Street-Fighter” character but he had the balls of a mouse. Joining Celtic for a short-term contract initially, he was played in a number of games and scored for us and actually playing not too badly. He had the option to carry on his career with Celtic and try to achieve something but opted not to. Fair enough, but he chose to go to Watford in the English Second Division/First Division/Championship (however you want to describe it) for the money!

Surprise surprise to read in the newspaper articles years later of how he regretted the move, missing out on the best part of the MoN years etc and I’m sure if you read between the lines, the potential money he could have made from this. Some footballers really do not have brains! Ruined his career and dented his own ego. Pilloried by many Tottenaham Hotspurs fans as their worst ever signing, and if he'd stuck with us he could have made them eat their words. He didn't!

Tough luck and no sympathy needed. Just wish other players could note and learn not to make similar mistakes (especially some of our youngsters).

Option 2

"Celtic was a dream Season" - Ramon Vega
Ramon Vega was a talented player, and he played well in his short stint with Celtic. In a book in 2008, to the surprise of some he stated his love for the club, saying "I was so grateful to the Celtic fans for taking me in and making me believe in myself again!". The reason he left for Watford (then not in the top division in England) was that it was late in his career and Celtic were not willing to offer him a long-term contract which he needed as a sign-off for financial reasons for his "retirement" from the playing game. To quote him again "It broke my heart to leave that club." Bless him!

As happens, he regretted his decision as he knew he would saying "I knew that I regretted my decision, I didn't want the financial security, I just wanted to be back in Scotland", but it was too late.

He loved Celtic and Martin O'Neill, and he loved the derbies v Rangers:
"The Old Firm derby was one of the most incredible experiences of my career. Even when i had played at Anfield and St James Park, I had not heard football fans so loud."

"At Celtic I was part of a family, I was one of them," - breaks your heart doesn't it?

A talented player, and many didn't want to see him leave after after some fine performances in the Hoops in his half season here, with a handful of goals also.

Last word to the good man:
"Spurs was a part of my life, they gave me a chance, an experience at a big club and I owe them for that. But I tell you what, I'd walk to Glasgow today for a chance to play for Celtic one more time."

Cant' think of many other players who have expressed such a love for a club after such a short space of time with them.

Will also be remembered for a funny cross dressing picture also! lol

Post Celtic:

After his spell with Watford he played briefly for US Creteil in France before retiring in June 2003.

After his retirement, Vega became a founding member of the Duet Group (2002), a financial group specialising in asset management and private equity. In 2006, Vega also founded the Matterhorn Capital Rosalp, a Swiss real estate company focusing on the development of luxury hotels worldwide. The first hotel to be developed was in Verbier, Switzerland. Vega also opened "Ramon Vega's Soccer School" in Marbella, Spain.

His national team career spanned over 28 caps. Vega also captained Switzerland.

Quote

Interviewer: You played at Celtic too. Is the Scottish league really that much weaker than in England?
Vega: It is weaker, yes. But playing for Celtic is very hard. It's not like playing for any old club - every day, every week, every season you have the pressure to win. You just don't get that in England - not even at Manchester United. So, while the league as a whole maybe wasn't as strong as in England, playing for Celtic was extremely pressurised.

Playing Career

Club	From	To	Fee	League		Scottish Cup		League cup		Other
Watford	21-06-2001	24-06-2002	Free	23 (4)	1	1 (0)	0	5 (0)	2	0 (0)	0
Celtic	15-12-2000	14-06-2001	Loan	18 (0)	2	6 (0)	2	2 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Spurs	07-01-1997	21-06-2001	£3,750,000	53 (11)	7	8 (1)	0	9 (2)	1	0 (0)	0
Cagliari	01-08-1996	07-01-1997	Signed	No appearance data available
				App________	Goals	App____	Goals	App______	Goals	App____	Goals

Honours with Celtic

Scottish Premier League

• Winners 2000-2001

Scottish League Cup

• Winners 2000-2001

Scottish Cup

• Winners 2000-2001

Pictures

• Player Pictures__

Vega delighted after dream Celtic debut