Celtic will tonight participate in a friendly match that will celebrate the career of Artur Boruc and the former Hoops keeper has admitted he still takes an interest in the Hoops.
The Polish keeper made the switch to Glasgow in initially on loan in 2005 under the stewardship of Gordon Strachan but quickly endeared himself to the support.
He spent a total of five years at the club and was part of the side which won three in a row for the first time since 1969 and also got to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Legia Warsaw are his home club but it is fitting that Celtic are the opposition for this evening as although many in football would consider playing in Serie A and the Premier League to be Boruc’s fondest memories his heart still lies in Glasgow.
“It’s two clubs who are still in my heart and they were probably the best times,” said Artur Boruc speaking to Football Scotland.
“When I was at Celtic for me as a football player but both clubs gave me a lot so I’m really pleased they’re meeting each other at the end of my adventure.”
It was some adventure for the 42-year old keeper who on his day was world class. His shot stopping abilities were a key asset to Strachan’s side and part of the reason why Celtic were so successful.
He also endeared himself to the Hoops faithful on a few occasions during derby matches which quickly gained him the status as being a cult-hero.
After well over a decade he still loves the Hoops and continues to take an interest in ongoings at Parkhead.
“I know (10 in a row) didn’t happen but now is a good time to start again. Why not?
“You know how it is with Celtic, most people who have lived that life will say you don’t really realise until you’ve played there and left there how amazing it is.
“I’m still watching what Celtic are doing and hopefully they’re going to win the league for the next few years like they did last season.
“There’s two things that matter at Celtic. One is to win against Rangers obviously and two is winning titles. Games in Europe is another and I miss that as well.”
On the European stage Boruc absolutely shone through for Celtic and will be hopeful that his former side can produce special nights in Paradise like his team once did with famous victories coming against the likes of Manchester United and AC Milan among others.
“Should Celtic be in the Champions League every year? I think that’s a short answer.
“Celtic is a huge club with a massive support, that’s two things that should be in there every single year.”
With the curtain falling tonight on a career which has had much success the man dubbed as the ‘Holy Goalie’ is content with his decision to call it a day.
“I’ve been looking forward to saying goodbye and finishing everything with football,” he revealed.
“I don’t want to be close to football, I’m a bit fed up after so many years playing and so many emotions as a rollercoaster.
“It should make you feel alive but I just want to calm down a little bit and be a father to my kids and a good husband to my wife. That’s the priority now.”
Celtic fans will be hoping for a similar outcome to last weeks result when they crashed the centenary celebrations of Banik Ostrava.
Although many would want Boruc to enjoy the occasion, Celtic fans don’t have short memories and this one promises to be tasty after what went on in 2014 between both sides as Celtic were given a second chance at qualification of the Champions League after Legia fielded an illegible player.
All the best to Artur
