CALLUM McGREGOR admitted he was “absolutely delighted” to sign a new five-year deal with Celtic.
And then the 30-year-old captain declared: “There’s only one place that I want to play football and that’s here.”
McGregor, who replaced the legendary Scott Brown as the team’s onfield leader at the start of the remarkable 2021/22 campaign, said: “It’s amazing to extend my stay at the club.
“As I’ve touched on before, this club means so much to me and the success that we’ve had over the past few seasons has cemented that.
TREBLE YELL…triumphant skipper Callum McGregor holds aloft the Scottish Cup as Celtic complete the domestic clean sweep for season 2022/23.
“I also feel like the club’s in a great place to move forward and when they came and asked me to extend my stay I was absolutely delighted.
“Brendan’s a top manager and I had the pleasure of working with him before and seeing what he did with that group of players, especially a young, hungry group similar to ourselves, and the way he progressed us and took us on.
“His personality around the place gives the building another lift, as well, so the club’s in a really strong place.
“We did some great work over the last couple of years, but it’s important that we bank that and we continue to move forward because in football you always have to continue your progress and get even better.”
McGregor, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “I’m delighted that the manager’s back, I’m delighted that I’m going to be here long-term, as well, so here’s to many more successful years.
“I just want it to continue for as long as possible. I’ve spoken before about the trust that the guys have put in me at this club, and I want to repay that every time I go on the pitch.
“They’ve been amazing for myself and for my family. It’s given me a wonderful life and some amazing memories.
JUST CHAMPION…Callum McGregor and Joe Hart parade the newly-won Premiership trophy.
“Together with the Celtic fans what we’ve achieved are memories that will stay with me forever and there’s only one place that I want to play football and that’s here.
“I just want to take it one game at a time. That’s the way I’ve been my whole career – just to focus on the next game, the next training session and just try to give my best every single day, to progress as a player and as a person, and try to have a positive impact on the club.
“I’m hugely proud of what I’ve achieved at this club so far.
“They’ve given me an unbelievable platform to be successful and my duty is to give absolutely everything for this club and do everything I can to make it successful.”
McGregor’s news comes quickly on the announcements Japanese double-act Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have also signed new four-year terms with the champions.
The Hoops anchorman added: “Kyogo’s been phenomenal since he came through the door and it’s amazing to see him extend his contract. That tells you where he thinks the club can go and where he thinks he can go in terms of his career.
HAMPDEN HURRAHS…Callum McGregor shows off the League Cup trophy to the Celtic fans after the 2-1 derby victory at the national stadium in February.
“Daizen, as well, has been unbelievable since he came in, so that’s two really positive signings and also two key figures for the group, so that tells everybody exactly where we think the club is.”
McGregor has come through the ranks at the club’s Youth Academy as an aspiring nine year old and has won 20 trophies to date including five domestic trebles – more than any other player in world football.
The all-action middle-of-the-park operator was given his debut by Ronny Deila on July 15 2014, scoring the only goal against KR Reykjavík in a Champions League qualifier in Iceland.
He has made 420 first-team appearances and has claimed 62 goals.
McGregor has guided the team to five of the possible six domestic trophies since taking the captain’s armband and he is now focused on stacking up the silverware in the remainder of his career at Parkhead.
