Former Celtic favourite Charlie Mulgrew has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.
Mulgrew came through the Hoops youth academy before departing for Wolves in 2006 as part of the deal that brought Lee Naylor in the other direction.
The Scotland international went on to feature for the likes of Southend United and Aberdeen before rejoining Celtic in the summer of 2010.
After a rocky start, he went on to play a hugely important role over six seasons — winning five league titles and two League Cups during a successful period.
He moved to Blackburn Rovers weeks after Brendan Rodgers arrived in Glasgow, and finished with Dundee United last season.
He also featured for Wigan Athletic and Fleetwood Town in a career that also brought him 44 Scotland caps.
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“Today I’m retiring from playing professional football,” he wrote on Monday evening alongside a Celtic-heavy compilation video. (charlie_mulgrew on Instagram)
“It’s not an easy decision as playing football is all I’ve known. Firstly, I’d like to thank my family and friends for all your support, belief, loyalty and love you have given me over the last 21 years. You all had to make sacrifices along with me to follow my dream.
“Thank you to all eight clubs I played for, Scotland I played 44 times for. I’m grateful for all that I’ve learned and the life I’ve been able to create because of them. My memories are priceless.
“I’ve played with and against some great players some of whom I’m lucky to call friends. I’ve been part of some great changing rooms which has made me realise it is essential for success.
“Football is nothing without fans and I’m grateful for the experiences and support you gave me through the highs and the lows. I am excited for what tomorrow brings, to new beginnings.”
Mulgrew is a likeable guy — someone who would have been highly-regarded by virtually all of his team-mates. Any viewers of Scottish football show ‘Open Goal’ will be all too familiar with his personality and humour.
That power was highlighted in the replies to his Instagram post where several former team-mates, including some from his Celtic days, got in touch to pass on their best wishes.
“What a player. Thanks for all the memories,” wrote Mikael Lustig who himself retired in 2022.
“Happy retirement my man. Wonderful player and chat was not bad as well,” said Scott Brown who was recently dismissed as manager of Fleetwood.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson wrote: “All the best big man” while Joe Ledley said: “Happy retirement Charlie boy!”
Robert Snodgrass, who played with Mulgrew and is well known to be a Celtic fan, replied: “One of the greatest and an immense career to be proud of Chico, big love to you and your family on your next chapter. Whatever it is you will smash it big fella.”
Former Celt Dylan McGeouch said: “Congrats on an unbelievable career mate. All the best!” and Glenn Loovens posted: “Happy retirement. Enjoy what comes next.”
John McGinn and Gary Hooper were among the other replies to the post.
So Mulgrew is clearly a well-liked guy who people have a lot of respect for. That will extend to the Celtic support who will remember him well for his time in the Hoops.
We wish him all of the best for the future.
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