Scott Brown as we all know signed a new two-year extension to his contract, but he then confirmed that’s when he plans to retire.
The Celtic captain’s contract was an absolutely huge piece of business by the club yesterday. In truth, it was probably the most important news of the day despite the late loan-signing of Jeremy Toljan from Borussia Dortmund.
But one piece of confirmation from the Hoops captain flew under the radar yesterday due to the constant transfer speculation regarding other players. It wasn’t so much an official retirement announcement, but more the time he’s eyeing up to hang up the boots.
In an exclusive interview with Celtic TV, Brown touched on those plans.
“I think it definitely would be (the last contract). Coming up to 36, there comes a time when the body says ‘no, you can’t keep pushing 60 games a season’, especially here because the schedule is so hard for everybody.
“It’s been a long time and I’ve enjoyed every single moment but I think another two years and that’ll be me done and dusted.”
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What a season 2020/2021 could end up being
This is absolutely massive news from the Celtic captain. He’s achieved a remarkable 17 trophies during his time at the club, and remains a legend at Parkhead for his trophy-haul.
But what it does open up is potentially the most memorable campaign of many Celtic fans’ lives in 2020/2021. Of course, the older generation will forever likely have 1966/67 as their favourite ever year for some reason, and others will favour the 2003 campaign thanks to the road to Seville.
But if Brown is stepping up at the end of the 2021 campaign to lift 10-in-a-row, that will be some memory. Would it outrank Seville? That depends on whether you value domestic domination over European success.
But it could set up for one of the most fitting endings to a season and career we’ve ever had. Brown’s planned retirement being on the back of 10-in-a-row. It’s emotional just even thinking about it considering he’s been here through so much.
Winning the league for Tommy Burns. The disastrous Tony Mowbray era. All the ups and downs of Neil Lennon’s stint. The Ronny Deila roller coaster. Brendan Rodgers’ revolution. The one constant has been Brown.
When he hangs up his boots, it’ll be the end of a near-15-year era. Here’s hoping he’s celebrating the 10 alongside it.