Graham Spiers has revealed that some journalists have been very critical of Callum McGregor’s decision not to pursue a move to England and have even branded it ‘pathetic’ behind closed doors.
Speaking on his podcast following the Glasgow Derby victory, Spiers highlighted how some of his fellow journalists have criticised McGregor’s choice to remain at Celtic as a “pathetic” and showed a “lack of ambition.”
This stems from a significant £20 million bid from Leicester City back when Brendan Rodgers took over at the English club, with McGregor choosing not to follow the Irishman down south, instead signing a big long term contract with Celtic.
Since then, McGregor has not only extended his contract with Celtic but has also thrived as the club’s captain, leading them to titles and a treble.
Spiers defended McGregor’s decision, arguing that while the midfielder could play for top teams in England he chose to stay and become a club legend which is to be admired, not derided.
He said on his Press Box podcast: “They [other journos he spoke to] countered ‘this is a pathetic lack of ambition’. You know, not wanting to go anywhere else in Britain and they were pretty condemnatory of them.
“They regarded it as pathetic and small-minded. If he wanted to, McGregor could play for any of the top teams in England, I think he could.”
If an 8-year-old Callum McGregor had said he wanted to captain Celtic and lift 22 trophies, he’d have been told he’s too ambitious. He’s living every Celtic fan’s dream.
Callum McGregor on Fire this Season
The Celtic captain has found his shooting boots this season, with three goals in the last three games. Just four games into the league season, he’s already beat his tally from last season.
And it’s not just been tap-ins.
Callum McGregor will be rebranding goal of the season to ‘What was Callum McGregor’s Goal of the Season’ if he keeps up his goal-scoring form.
We shouldn’t be surprised some Scottish journalists talk about our captain like this away from the mics and printing press. Cal has been a winner for a long time and to be so self loathing of the game you cover that you would brand anyone ‘pathetic’ for not moving on says a lot about the media up here.
Isn’t it amazing when anyone commits long term to Celtic they have no ambition and don’t want to play at a higher level . Yet when someone committed to the now dead rangers it was a testament to their loyalty and how it was great for the game in Scotland that they stayed here . Yet another feeble attempt at putting the boot into anything Celtic from the huns with notepads and laptops.
If I made the grade as a player. I would spend my whole career at Celtic too.
Callum is living the dream and I am sure he lives comfortably on his wages, so why would he care that the Hun loving media and the EPL fart sniffers say.
I would rather the memories of European nights and lifting multiple trophies, than a bit more excess cash and having played for a nothing team like Leicester City.