Arne Engels is hoping to give his family another proud moment this weekend when Celtic face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park. The Belgian midfielder revealed during a press conference this afternoon that his parents were in Glasgow last weekend to see him lift the Scottish Premiership title.
Celtic had already secured the league title before their final league match, which ended in a 1-1 draw with St Mirren at Celtic Park. The result didn’t take the shine off the day, as the squad celebrated another league title under Brendan Rodgers.
Engels, who joined Celtic in August for a club-record fee, has quickly become part of the first-team squad and could now end the season with three domestic trophies. He says his family will be back in the stands for Saturday’s final, along with his agent and two friends, making it a full support group for one of the biggest games of his young career.
He said: (Celtic FC), “Yeah, my mum and dad are coming and my agent is also coming in and hopefully normally two friends also, so it will be full Engels.
“Yeah, they were there (at the game last weekend).
“So it’s always nice to have them here and to let them see the trophies also in they also an experience something and see me, lifting the trophies it’s hopefully an amazing feeling for them and hope I can can make them even prouder than they are.”
The 21-year-old is clearly proud to share these moments with his family, especially so soon after arriving in Glasgow. With the league title and league cup already wrapped up, Celtic are now focused on finishing the season in style by beating Aberdeen in the final.
Celtic have had the better of Aberdeen throughout the season and go into the game as heavy favourites. But the cup final is always a big game and the Dons will be looking to cause an upset. Rodgers’ side will need to be fully focused to make sure they end the campaign with another trophy.
For Engels, it’s a chance to finish his first season in Scotland on a high. He has shown signs of settling well into the team, playing with good energy and composure in midfield. His role may not always grab the headlines, but his contribution has been important.
If Celtic lift the cup at Hampden on Saturday, it will be a special day for everyone involved. But for Engels, it will be made even more meaningful by the fact that his loved ones will be watching. After helping the Hoops win the double, he now has the chance to add another medal—and another memory—to what’s already been a strong start to life at Celtic Park.
