Callum McGregor has signed another contract extension, committing himself to Celtic into a 14th season as a first team player in 2028.
Since being given his debut by Ronny Deila nine years ago every manager has recognised the value of the midfielder with his profile and presence growing since he took over the captaincy from Scott Brown.
The most significant period in McGregor’s career came first time around under Brendan Rodgers. The new manager inherited a squad that contained Brown, Stefan Johansen, Nir Bitton, Stuart Armstrong, Liam Henderson and Tom Rogic but within a few months McGregor and Brown were the heartbeat of the Invincibles.
Reacting to today’s announcement, Rodgers told the Celtic website:
It’s amazing news for the club, for the supporters and for the players, but as a manager it’s extra special to have someone of that quality captain the team.
Callum’s just such an inspirational player and I’m absolutely delighted to working with him again.
He’s a player that’s undervalued immensely and it’s not really until you work with Callum that you really recognise the real qualities that he has, firstly as a player because that’s the priority, to develop him as a footballer, but also as a person because he’s a great man, and it’s been great to see that development, from the time I was first with him and now coming back four years later and seeing him evolve even more.
He’s the heartbeat of this team. He’s taken on the responsibility of being captain of a worldwide institution with great effect and we’ll look to continue that development.
At 30 years of age he’s still got a lot that he can win and still lots of improvements to make, and I know that he’s hungry to do that.
What’s most important is that he’s there for the team. He always has been and now, as captain of the club, he’s a real selfless leader and for me to have someone lead the team like that and be my coach on the field, it’s a great privilege to work with him.
In just under four weeks time McGregor will lead Celtic into the SPFL opener at home to Ross County, after the ceremonies it will be business as usual for him, putting behind him the achievements of last season which stretched on until June 20 due to international commitments.
Last season a knee injury in Leipzig put the club captain out of action for six weeks but he returned in typical style after the World Cup break to net an 87th minute winner away to Aberdeen as he picked up where he had signed off.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 10, 2023
