Celtic hero Aiden McGeady has retired from professional football after a distinguished career that started off at his boyhood club.
Overall, the Lennoxtown graduate went on to make 231 appearances for Celtic, registering 36 goals and 48 assists before leaving for Spartak Moscow in 2010.
The former Republic of Ireland winger then enjoyed productive spells at Everton and Sunderland, among others, before capping his career back in Scottish football with Hibernian and Ayr United.
After leaving Somerset Park earlier in the campaign, Celtic icon Aiden McGeady has now retired from football, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw the Denny-born man become one of the finest Hoops’ stars in recent memory.
Acclaimed for his fleet-footed nature out wide and trademark skill moves, the Celtic Academy product has now shared an emotional message after hanging his boots up permanently.
Celtic icon Aiden McGeady’s emotional retirement message
Taking to his personal LinkedIn account, former Hoops man McGeady shared a lengthy message where he opened up on his ‘extremely special’ time at Celtic alongside touching on his other career ventures.
He stated: “After much thought and consideration, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from professional football.
“Football has given me so much and getting to play the game I loved at the top level is the stuff dreams are made of I truly lived that dream every day out on the pitch. There are so many memories, too many to mention but getting to pull on the famous green and white Celtic jersey, the team I supported, was extremely special.
“The titles, the trophies, playing in the Champions League and individual honours I received there in front of those amazing fans are some of the most memorable moments of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to play for so many great teams in England, Scotland and Russia, brilliant memories, at the best clubs. I will never forget the magical times representing Ireland for 13 years and getting to the Euros in the process.
“I have made many lifelong friends in football, played with some world class teammates along the way. I’d like to thank all the managers, coaching staff and backroom staff that helped guide me through the good and the bad times. From the start of my career as a boy, to the very end of it, thank you for the support.
“An extra special thanks to my loving family, my friends, and advisors who have been with me on this journey every step of the way. To the fans and everyone that played a part in my footballing story, I won’t forget you. This part of the journey may be at the end, but I’m looking forward to the future! Thank you, football. Aiden McGeady.”
Aiden McGeady deserves the best in retirement
Celtic fans always react warmly to former players who represented the club with pride over their time here, and they will wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
For now, it is unclear what comes next for ex-Republic of Ireland international McGeady, but he has become a familiar face on the punditry scene of late, which may be a viable future pursuit.
Becoming one of the most exciting players to grace Celtic Park in recent years, his contribution is fondly remembered by those who had the pleasure of witnessing his talent.
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