EMILIO IZAGUIRRE could be set for a drastic change of career when he hangs up his boots for the final time.

The former Celtic defender is currently playing for Marathon in his native Honduras but admits the time is coming where he will step away from the game and look to give back.

The left-back won everything while in Scotland, spending eight years at the club over two spells. He is a fan favourite, even to to this day and supporters like to keep in touch with what the wee man is up to.

At the age of 35, he could still play at his current level for a few years yet, but Izzy is already looking to what’s next and becoming a Pastor is something he’s seriously considering.

Izaguirre told SunSport: “Being a pastor is a complex term because it can be misinterpreted. I want to help young people and I want to be a disciple of God.

“I want to lead by example and help them as others helped me and be successful in following God.

“I try to be disciplined and I learned that when I was in Europe with Celtic. My teammates there would hold parties every month and would drink. They told me it was a sin not to drink.

“But I maintained my discipline and gained respect from my teammates and the fans who understood that I would never have a beer with them.

“When we went to Dubai, they would go and party and I would go and see my wife and children instead because my family are the greatest blessing and that’s all because of God.

“When I was younger, I lost many friends due to violence in Honduras. You have to realise that life is short and you have to take advantage of it.

“I pray morning, afternoon and night. I thank God for everything – without him I am nothing.

“I have never had any desire to drink or go to nightclubs. God guided me away from that.

“I don’t want to be known as someone who had a great game, I want to be known as someone who is a great person.”

The defender is clearly deeply religious and takes his responsibilities very seriously.

He was a major part of Neil Lennon’s first period as Celtic boss when there was less discipline in the squad. Guys like Scott Brown who would go on to make history and become a club legend was one of the bhoys back in the day who would party. Brendan Rodgers famously had a meeting with Brown about his fitness and well-being which totally turned his Celtic career around.

Izzy resisted that lifestyle and it’s probably helped him prolong his career.

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