Some people may take being at Celtic for granted.
Brendan Rodgers is a prime example for Celtic fans; the Parkhead manager has conceded as much.
Celtic’s days of convincing their finest players to stay are tragically past. Instead, the club’s player trade strategy recognises their standing in the football hierarchy.
This has not always been the case; on occasion, Celtic players have spent their whole prime years at Parkhead.
This is not to say that the temptation to attempt a more ‘prestigious’ league does not exist; in a rare combination of circumstances, one former Celtic great has expressed remorse over his post-Celtic decision.
‘I should have stopped after Celtic,’ admits former Celtic player.
Celtic’s journey to Seville was undoubtedly something players would not want to miss, especially as the run progressed.
However, for Johan Mjallby, this came at a price.
The Swedish ex-defender has spoken about his fitness issues following the 2002-03 season, as well as his remorse over continuing his career after leaving Glasgow for Spanish club Levante.
Mjallby spoke to the Herald about the knee injury that led to the end of his career.
He clarified: “The specialist was shocked when he saw that my knee was in such a bad state.” He cautioned me that I would only be able to play at the same level for about another year.
After Seville, I had a very difficult time moving. And if you fall below 80% of your maximum, you will struggle at a team like Celtic.”
“I should have stopped after Celtic and said, ‘nah, my body can’t do this any longer.'” But I couldn’t accept it. That was very dumb of me.”
Mjallby only appeared three times in La Liga for the Valencian club, and he also played once for AIK in Sweden before retiring.
Johan Mjallby and Celtic’s Swedish Connection
Celtic has a strong affinity with Swedish players.
Henrik Larsson was the first in 1997 and set a high standard. He is largely regarded as Celtic’s greatest ever foreign player, having scored 242 goals in seven seasons.
Mikael Lustig’s eight-and-a-half years resulted in an astounding number of trophies, many of which came under Rodgers.
Carl Starfelt, Daniel Majstorovic, and John Guidetti have all made major contributions. Gustaf Lagerbielke, another former Celtic player from Sweden, will return to Celtic Park with Braga next week.
There is surely plenty of inspiration for Benjamin Nygren to turn to as his basketball career begins.
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