It has been revealed that Celtic legend Henrik Larsson is in regular contact with Kieran Tierney and has provided the Hoops academy graduate some words of wisdom.
Tierney broke through the ranks at Celtic Park having made his way through the academy and it is no great surprise to learn that the ‘Kings of Kings’ was one of his heroes growing up.
Before heading south of the border, Tierney had the opportunity to meet the legendary Swede and following Scott Brown’s testimonial match they have kept in touch with one another ever since.
It is looking increasingly likely that the 25-year-old fullback will leave Arsenal in the coming months and Larsson has been providing him with advice during a difficult spell as he isn’t featuring too often for Mikel Arteta’s side who are leading the Premier League title race having only started four league matches under the Spaniard this season.
Larsson had a stint at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson and he hopes to be able to draw some inspiration from his boyhood hero while he goes through this period of his career.
“Football-wise, there’s two. When I was younger it would have been Henrik Larsson, just for what he did at Celtic,” said Tierney speaking to the official Arsenal website.
“When I got a bit older and played for Celtic, I actually met him a few times and had the chance to speak to him. He’s given me great advice as well, he always does. I’m still in touch with him quite a lot.
REUTERS/David Klein
“Even in the tough moments, like just now when you’re not playing as much as you’d like, he still messages me, telling me to keep believing. That’s basically every Celtic fan’s hero, messaging me that, so that gives you huge confidence and inspiration.
“Then once I got into the first team at Celtic my inspiration would have been Scott Brown. To see his attitude towards training every day, to even see the way he warms up, the way he talks to people, his professionalism, his intensity. He really is a leader.
“So growing up it would have been Larsson and when I was part of the first team environment it was Scott Brown, hands down.”
It’s not yet known where the next move could come for Tierney, but he should be playing on a much more regular which he just isn’t going to get at the Gunners.
There’s no better person that could be providing the Scotland international some guidance and it is always great to hear stories like this.
