Mikael Lustig – A Celtic cult hero who certainly could play a bit

Mikael Lustig will go down in history as one of Celtic’s shrewdness signings after a successful seven year stint at the club made him a popular and iconic figure amongst the supporters.

Signed by Neil Lennon on a pre-contract agreement from Rosenborg in early 2012, the combative Swede looked more like a rock star than footballer, but showed his class as he settled straight into the side and became a permanent fixture in the starting XI for the next seven years.

Whether it was under Neil Lennon, Ronny Delia, Brendan Rodgers or Neil Lennon again, Mikael tasted success and was part of three treble winning sides and played a massive role in each and every one of them.

Mikael is revered as something as a cult hero due to his dynamic nature. The policeman’s hat incident, and the beach ball on his head both spring to mind. Mikel was quite the character but he could play a bit too.

He was solid in the tackle, great going forward and was a goal threat in the opposition penalty area as his goal record of 21 goals in 273 appearances would suggest, a superb return for a defender. All without the aid of spot kicks! His superb effort at Ibrox in a 5-1 rout of theRangers undoubtedly the pick of his goals as a Celtic player.

Picking up a loose ball evading attempts to take him out before unleashing a curling shot that nestled in the left hand corner of the net to send the free Broomloan into a frenzy as Mikael took the plaudits with his shirt tucked over his head. It was an iconic goal and if you look closely at the replay you will see theRangers supporters that were remaining in the stadium quickly make a sharp exit.

Lustig was also a regular at International level making 84 caps and scoring six goals and represented his nation at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia playing his part as the Swedes reached the last eight of the tournament.

Mikael was indeed the real deal. Fully proven at club and international level. A proper sucacessful serial winning right back.