Among a number of important memories in Celtic history, today we celebrate one of the most satisfying goals in one of the most satisfying games that we as Celtic supporters could ever imagine.

On this day 2017, Celtic were 4-1 up at Ibrox against The Rangers, having the time of our
lives. It almost seemed a case of deciding which next goal scorer would annoy the home
support the most.

From right-back, up stepped the hugely popular Mikael Lustig to beautifully slot home his
first and only Glasgow Derby goal.

Lustig had always been popular with the Celtic faithful – a model of consistency, a strong
will to win, a fiery passion for the club and just a pinch of mischievousness. Therefore,
Celtic fans could probably not have picked a better player to finish off the destruction of their big rivals.

Unquestionably, this was Lustig at his peak – an essential part in a truly incredible Celtic side which would win the invincible treble that year. In the two seasons to come, however, Lustig would start getting a little older, a little slower and eventually, it was looking like his Celtic tenure may come to an end.

A string of forgettable performances such as Zenit away suggested that while Lustig would
always have a huge place in our hearts, it may be time to move on.
Lustig left the club last summer when his contract expired and made the move to Belgian
high flyers, Gent.

Speaking recently to Celtic TV, Lustig showed no signs of bitterness over how he ended up
leaving the club, with no official farewell. This is something that still irks a number of Celtic fans. Whether you believe it made sense to let Lustig go or not, someone who gave everything to the club over seven and a half years perhaps deserved more respect when leaving.

However, both parties moved on amicably. Celtic replaced the former vice-captain with
Hatem-Abd Elhamed who, injuries aside, has been successful. More to that, the surprising
emergence of Jeremie Frimpong has brought a whole new attacking dimension to Celtic’s
right-hand side.

In his recent interview, big Mika spoke of how much he enjoyed his lengthy spell at Celtic
Park, conveying a passion for the club that we fans already knew he had for the Hoops.
The word “legend” is undeniably thrown around too often these days. However, there is no
doubt that Lustig can potentially fall into that category.

We did not know much about the Swede when he arrived in January 2012. Slowly but
surely, he proved himself the best out of a number of strong right-backs including, Adam
Matthews, Mark Wilson and Cha-Du-Ri. After a couple of hugely successful seasons at the club, there was interest from abroad in Lustig’ services. As Celtic fans, we are all too
accustomed to seeing players make an impression early in their Celtic career and leaving
when a tempting offer comes along.

Mikael Lustig simply got this club. He enjoyed major success in Europe, was a massive part
in the invincible treble-winning side, and even bowed out in his final game as a Treble Treble winner, providing the assist for Odsonne Edouard’s winner.

Most Celtic fans will agree that with his age and undeniable dip in form, it was time for
Lustig to move on. Some believe he should have stayed as a back-up. However, it is
unlikely that Lustig would have fancied that.

Furthermore, as a seasoned member of the squad, Lustig would have been one of the highest earners at the club. The move and its timing just made sense and as we look on nearly a year later, that is justified.

Lustig and his family appear happy in Belgium and Celtic have found an exciting array of
right-back options for both now and going forward.

However, Mikael Lustig is a name that Celtic fans should always remember and talk about.
A player who was unquestionably good enough for the English Premier League or other big
leagues but stayed all throughout his prime years and beyond ensuring that Celtic achieved
maximum success. Why? Because he loves our club.

As a footballer, he was everything you could want in a player, a defender and a leader. As a man, he fell into the category of a Celtic gentleman – an ambassador for the club.
When Brendan Rodgers sneaked out the back door midseason, Lustig was one of very few to tell Rodgers how truly rotten that was.

When Celtic secured the invincible treble against Aberdeen at Hampden, no one screamed
louder than Lustig. From a personal perspective, one Lustig moment that may be overlooked comes from around this time last year. After Billy McNeil’s tragic passing, Celtic’s current no5 Jozo Simunovic scored in the 67th minute to win against Kilmarnock at Paradise to all but secure Celtic’s 50th title.

Lustig was one of the first to embrace Jozo, immediately showing the no5 on his back to the camera portraying that the goal was devoted to the club’s most legendary no5, Billy McNeil.

Mikael Lustig fell in love with Celtic and has been one of the most crucial aspects in Celtic’s
ongoing bid for 10-in-a-row. Many will call him a legend, many will say he is not. This writer claims the former. Mikael Lustig is a Celtic legend who has enjoyed and brought more success to the club than hundreds of Celtic greats.

I hope that when 10-in-a-row comes, Lustig’s legendary status is truly cemented into the
club, and that he is with us celebrating. Let us know! Will Lustig be considered a legend after 10-in-a-row? What are your favourite memories of the Swede? The goal at Ibrox? The police hat? The beachball? I could go on…

DANIEL HAYES

Thanks to Daniel for this great read, feel free to send your articles to contact@celtsarehere.com

2 COMMENTS

  1. Miss the Big guy and especially his passion and sense of humour . Truly hope he`s mentioned when we achieve the 10 and in my mind after 7 odd years with us he was and is a Legend in Green n White with a Black n White checked Bunnet on HH ML.

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