Swede Success

Mikael Lustig celebrates his eighth successive title medal.

- Tony Connelly

TROPHIES are the epitome of success, but playing for Celtic for over seven years is possibly the highest endorsement of a player’s qualities.

You don’t last long at a club like Celtic if you aren’t up to the high standards expected by the club and its supporters, so to be a Celt for as long as Mikael Lustig has, is the true measure of a man. And, in that regard the Swedish defender will always be a towering figure in the collective memory of Celtic supporters.

In his time at Celtic the Swedish defender has learned a thing or two about success. On Sunday the vice-captain lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy aloft in unison with Scott Brown as Celtic were officially crowned champions in front of a packed Paradise.

It was his 15th piece of domestic silverware as a Celt. Lustig has become accustomed to Trophy Day celebrations since arriving in Glasgow. For him, every season opener has been Flag Day and he is one of only three players to have played a part in every one of Celtic’s current run of eight successive league titles.

“It’s always a really nice day,” he said in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “When Celtic Park is full with fans there to enjoy Celtic getting the trophy, there’s nothing like it. It’s been a long season and the league is our bread and butter, so it’s nice to lift the trophy after a year of hard work. Being able to do that with your family and friends on the pitch is special.

“Celtic Park is always an amazing place to play and the support from the fans is massive for us. To be able to enjoy that moment of lifting the trophy and celebrating with 60,000 Celtic fans is incredible. We all cherish those experiences, both the fans and the players.”