Celtic defender Mikael Lustig has revealed that he is seriously considering finishing his footballing career at Parkhead.
The 30-year-old has enjoyed wonderful success since completing a permanent move to Scotland in the 2012 January transfer window.
The Swede has helped the Hoops secure six consecutive league titles alongside two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cup successes.
Lustig played a huge role in Celtic’s remarkable treble winning campaign last season, making a total of 49 appearances and contributing with four goals and six assists in all competitions.
The Sweden international has continued to be crucial to Brendan Rodgers’ plans at the club this season, featuring in 22 matches already and scoring two goals in the process.
Celtic’s mainstay is currently away on international duty as Sweden look to knockout giants Italy in their bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia.
Speaking in an interview, the Hoops star admitted that as his career draws to close, he feels that Celtic is the place where he wants to hang up his boots.
When you play professional football, you begin to understand how tough it is to get there,” he said as quoted in the Scottish Sun.
“I am very pleased with how far I have come.
“In the past, I have always said I want to come back to Sweden, but the more I’m abroad and the more I play for Celtic, the more I think of finishing my career here.
“We are so happy here. After six years here I love the club, my family thrives and it is it working well with schools for our daughters.
“It would take a lot for me to leave Celtic.”
OPINION
Celtic supporters will be delighted to hear that Lustig has opened up about his desire to stay at the club for the rest of his footballing days. The Swede has been one of the most consistent performers for the Hoops over the last couple of seasons and his intention to stay could ultimately encourage many others to turn their back on potential suitors and put pen to paper on long-term deals at Celtic Park. In order to keep their best players, Celtic need to start replicating their domestic form into the European competitions and prove to the doubters that they have what it takes to be competitive abroad.