Callum McGregor has revealed how his close bond with Brendan Rodgers is shaping his thinking for life beyond playing though the Celtic captain insists he still has plenty left in the tank.
The 32-year-old is already laying early foundations for a future in the game once his playing days come to an end.
He made it clear he’s not thinking about hanging up the boots just yet, but after a career in which he’s played pretty much every week since breaking through, he’s thinking about the next steps.
He’s had teh opportunity from learm from some of the best, if he does head into mangement. Brendan Rodgers is a top, top coach but so was Ange Postecoglou, who made Callum McGregor captain.
Speaking ahead of the Como Cup against Ajax on Thursday, McGregor said:
“We just got chatting in the car about that on the way to this press conference,” he told SunSport.
“We talk about football all the time anyway.
“He was asking what I fancy doing after I finish playing, not that he was trying to retire me or anything!
“That’s still a few years down the line.
“But I’ve always been involved in football, it’s pretty much all I know. And I want to continue to be involved in that, whether that be coaching or managing.
“You don’t quite know what’s in store for you.
“But I certainly want to stay in football.
“The next progression would be to do my badges and see how I like it. Then you just never know from there.
“But in terms of the chat with the manager, I think we often take things for granted.
“I was there sharing the car with the gaffer on the way to the stadium and this is a guy who managed Liverpool and managed at Leicester and Celtic.
“That’s invaluable information that people may never get to listen to. Even if nothing comes of it, there was a conversation that gave me an opportunity to learn.
“You learn from everything you see.
“We have guys coming into the building and other guys who have been there for years.
“Your job is never finished.
“But the conversation was one that not many people would ever get access to.
“He’s got a very mentorship style, he loves helping players.
“He did that with me when we first met each other.
“It’s been an amazing relations and something that’s been nurtured over time. We have a really good understanding with each other and what makes us tick is very similar.
“Over time the relationship grows and grows and I am really thankful to have someone like that in my career to try and help me as much as he can.
“I am going to continue to play and push my body as much as I possibly can. But at some point, that day will come.
“You want to be ready for that so you can decide what you do next.
“For now, another full season is coming with a lot of minutes and a lot of games. But I feel good.”
McGregor has been a consistent performer in the Celtic side for years. No doubt, over the next few years, time will catch up to him and his legs will start to go, but he’s still at the top of his game heading into Celtic’s fourth title defending season in a row.
That Scottish Cup final defeat last season was the first time Callum McGregor had experienced that heartache, so he’ll be hungrier than ever to right the wrongs this season.
