Henrik Larsson always dreamed of playing in a European final - but believes it would not have been possible but for the arrival of Martin O'Neill.
The prolific Celtic striker has been criticised for not seeking to play in a more competitive league, but his goals record is unquestionable.
Those doubts were justified with Celtic having failed to make an impact in Scotland, let alone Europe, until the Northern Irishman set foot in Parkhead.
"At that stage when I came I just wanted to go to the final and to come here I got that chance," said Larsson. "I have played in semi-finals of big competitions with Sweden and with Celtic I had dreams and ambitions. One of those ambitions was to go as far as I could with Celtic.
"I always hoped that I was going to do something like this, but we never had the best of results in Europe until the arrival of Martin O'Neill.
"In Europe after that we have made steady progress. We played in the Champions League last year and although we played well at home, we didn't play too well away from home.
"But we have got better and better after missing out on the Champions League against Basle and now we are in the final, and I am enjoying every second."
Larsson admits that just playing in the UEFA Cup final is the biggest achievement of his footballing career.
The Swedish international has a third-place medal from the World Cup in 1994 and a number of championship and cup medals in Scotland.
But all of those honours will be surpassed on Wednesday night when he steps out into the Olympic Stadium in Seville to take on Porto in the final of the UEFA Cup.
"I've gone quite far in the European Championships with Sweden," continued Larsson. "But to go one better now is the biggest achievement of my career so far.
"It would be great to win it of course, but getting here is my greatest feat so far."