Stuart Armstrong tells his new MLS club what it was like to play for ‘very tough’ Celtic

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Former Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong is embarking on a new chapter of his career and has been reflecting on the journey he’s had to this point.

After leaving Southampton at the end of last season, Armstrong was a sought-after free agent during the summer transfer window.

Last week, he ended all the speculation surrounding his football by signing for Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada on a two-year deal.

He’s become one of the club’s ‘Designated Players’, earning a lucrative amount beyond the salary caps that most talents fit into across the divisions.

• READ MORE: How Many Trebles Have Celtic Won Since 1967?

Stuart Armstrong reflects on Celtic spell

Asked by his new side about the various clubs he’s previously starred for, Armstrong said about the Bhoys: “Celtic is a very tough place to be, especially when things aren’t going well. When I first moved there, I had a rough start, but then things really started to click.

“Winning the invincible treble was one of the highlights of my career—it was amazing. We qualified for the Champions League and faced the pressure of winning every single week.

“To win two trebles in a row was incredible, and then I left, and I think they won another treble. It’s an incredible club with incredible fans. The feeling you get playing at the stadium is top-notch.”

Armstrong played 144 times for the club, scoring 28 goals and winning eight trophies. He can look back on his Bhoys stay with pride and he’s certainly remembered fondly by many supporters, especially for his form once Brendan Rodgers arrived.

Armstrong explains MLS switch

The midfielder likely could have stayed playing at a high level in Europe, so it may raise eyebrows for some to see him head across the Atlantic. However, Armstrong is relishing the new challenge.

Asked why he’s joining the Whitecaps, the Scotland international explained: “Honestly, at this point in my career, I was looking for a new experience and a new challenge. Vancouver is an amazing city, and it felt right. I’m really excited to be here and to be playing football again.

“I would watch highlights now and then, especially of players I know who are currently in MLS, like Johnny Russell at Kansas and Erik Sviatchenko at Houston. I’d watch their highlights more to keep up with them than with the teams themselves.”

“I didn’t know much about MLS, except that it’s a growing league with increasing investment, modern facilities, and new stadiums. I need to learn about the playoff system since it’s different from what we’re used to, but I’m excited to learn more.”

Hopefully he’s a success with his new team and we’ll certainly be keeping track of how it works out for him in the latter stages of his long career.