Celtic’s departed right-back Mikael Lustig has confirmed he’ll be back for a hopeful 10-in-a-row title party.
Lustig announced his departure from the club via Instagram last night. It comes just days after he was reported to have had a medical with Belgian outfit Gent (Daily Record). His departure from the club brings to an end a 7-and-a-half year spell at Parkhead.
Throughout his Celtic career, Lustig has managed to be a part of all eight Premiership titles as well as four Scottish Cups and four League Cups. It’s been by far the most productive and successful period of the Swede’s career, and Celtic have been fortunate to have him too.
His emotional Instagram post will have been a heart-warming read for many Celtic fans. But the most emotional moment of all will be when he returns for what we hope will be a 10-in-a-row celebration. Lustig confirmed in his message that he’ll definitely be back at Parkhead should it arrive.
Lustig deserves credit for something most will dismiss
The former Rosenborg man deserves a huge amount of credit not just for his Celtic career but for this decision. The Swede likely could’ve stayed on at Parkhead and been a back-up. Instead, he understands that his time in Glasgow is up and appears happy to let the club move on.
It’s a shame, like Lustig says, that he didn’t get a proper good-bye. But given the fact he and the club both seemed to be in talks for a prolonged period of time, it’s understandable as to why he couldn’t get one.
But if he returns for the 10-in-a-row party, that would certainly make up for it. Even already, you can sense, should we secure the 10, that there will be plenty of former faces and blasts from the past. Lustig, at that point, would get the standing ovation his Celtic career deserves.
Legacy secured
Lustig has effectively secured his Parkhead legacy by departing now. Frailties, as we all know, were showing regularly in his game. Having him as our number one right-back moving forward was always going to be risky. Even though the romantic ending would’ve been for him to stay until we won 10-in-a-row, that just hasn’t proved realistic.
Now, he’ll only be remembered for his good moments in a Celtic jersey. Moments such as his goal at Pittodrie to put us on the road to the title last season. His famous police hat celebration. One of any of his 16 trophy wins at Parkhead. His Champions League successes. All of that will be remembered the way it should be.
For Lustig, a new chapter awaits. For Celtic, it’s down to us to get to the 10 and give the Swede a return to remember in two years.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
