Another season, and the same old story at Celtic.
Callum McGregor didn’t just lift another Premiership title; he steered Celtic to yet another domestic double, further cementing his legendary status in Glasgow.
For large parts of the season, it looked and felt like Celtic were going to end the campaign trophyless, but somehow, those in green and white stuck by it and dragged themselves over the line.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has played for Liverpool and Arsenal in his career, joined in January, and he has already noticed just how important someone like McGregor is to the cause, as he told Celtic TV.
“But meeting all these boys and seeing how good they are,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain. “The captain, Cal, has been unbelievable for everyone.
“From the minute I came in, there was a belief that we could do this.”
What are your thoughts on Callum McGregor’s strong comments on his Celtic future?
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain claims Celtic have proven why he wanted to join
When Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Celtic, the club had just sacked Wilfried Nancy, and Martin O’Neill returned for a second spell.
While O’Neill got the Hoops back to winning ways, there were still many bumps in the road, but it seems as though Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed them.
The former England midfielder explained that experiencing this difficult challenge was a key reason why he wanted to join the champions of Scotland.
“Delighted,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain. “See how much it means to everyone, especially the boys.
“I said it earlier, or last week when we got the job done, I am just really happy for this group of players, the staff and the manager.
“Obviously, I have come into it. I knew it was going to be a challenge for everyone. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to come.
“But meeting all these boys and seeing how good they are. The captain, Cal, has been unbelievable for everyone.
“From the minute I came in, there was a belief that we could do this. We made it hard at times. Look, the boys have done it. It has been an absolute delight. It has been a joy to be a part of it.”
The harsh truth about McGregor and Oxlade-Chamberlain
After spending months on the sidelines without a club, Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Celtic in the winter as a free agent, hoping to help a broken midfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s debut goal against Livingston was epic, and now very, very crucial to the last-day title drama against Hearts.
But as the months wore on, he began to warm the bench a lot more, and it’s pretty clear that he can’t play alongside McGregor.
You have to question if Celtic should keep Oxlade-Chamberlain on board, despite his experience, because a refresh is needed in the middle of the park, more energy and power.
That’s something McGregor and Oxlade-Chamberlain can’t provide if they are playing together.
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