The Spaniard, who was linked with a move to Parkhead before he opted for Ibrox in 2004, claims he is has suffered death threats as well as vandalism and intimidation from Hoops fans.

The claims come in a week in which the abuse of players has come to the fore again.

Portsmouth made an official complaint after defender Sol Campbell was baited by Spurs fans last Sunday.

Novo said: "Things have changed because players from other countries keep coming to the Old Firm and bringing completely different cultures with them.

"But rivalry between the teams remains something more than sporting. I have even received death threats this year.

"I have seen on YouTube there is a video with a guy singing with his guitar that he hopes I die. That kind of thing has an impact on you.

"In the four years I have been here, I have been through everything. Every time I face Celtic, the tyres of my car are punctured, the windows of my house are broken and I have been sent threatening letters. It is a pretty disagreeable situation."

Unlike team-mate Kenny Miller, who played for Celtic before joining Rangers in the summer for the second time, Novo insisted he could never end up at Parkhead.

Speaking in a Spanish football magazine, which was reported in the Mail on Sunday, Novo said: "Rangers have treated me so well, the fans have become like a family to me.

"No matter how much money was put in front of me, I would never sign for Celtic."