Callum McGregor has made it clear that he wishes to remain at Celtic, provided the club demonstrates ambition that aligns with his own. The midfielder, who will turn 33 in June, was linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah in January, where he would have been reunited with former manager Brendan Rodgers. Despite staying put, speculation surrounding his future persists as Celtic prepares for a major squad overhaul this summer.
McGregor Breaks Silence
Speaking ahead of the crucial post-split run-in and the Scottish Cup final, McGregor addressed his future for the first time. He emphasised his desire to stay at Parkhead for the long term, but only if he sees evidence of a plan to restore the club to its former glories.
'I have always been the same; I want to be at Celtic,' he revealed. 'So, as long as the club wants me there and as long as the club's ambition matches my own in terms of playing at the highest level... For probably half the time I have been here, we have been playing in the Champions League or the Europa League, which is a really good standard of football. So, we must continue to push and be as good as we can possibly be.'
Winning Mentality
McGregor made clear that his tenure as captain must be defined by success. 'I do not want to sit here and be a Celtic captain who is not winning anything. And I have been honest with everyone in that conversation. The people inside the club know it. If we are not going to be the best version of Celtic, then I do not want to be the guy who is not winning any trophies. That is not me and not who I am.'
He added, 'But, also, if you are going to push, I do not think there are many more people who would put themselves in the firing line more than me, in terms of what they deliver for the club, what they do, and what they are willing to do to bring success.'
Conversation with Hierarchy
When asked if he would make his position clear to the club's hierarchy once the season concludes, McGregor revealed that discussions have already taken place. 'We have already had that conversation. I have made my feeling known that I want to be here, so it is kind of on the club. I know what you have to do to be successful here as a leader and player. But you need all the other components to match up with that as well.'
He continued, 'The minute Celtic do not want me here, then I will be moved on, it is as simple as that. But my stance on it — and I have told everyone this — is that I want to be here. That is where I am.'
Ambition as a Condition
When pressed on what would happen if the club wanted to keep him but failed to show the ambition he expects, McGregor replied, 'Then that is obviously a different conversation as well, is it not? But I want to be here. So, let us try and find a solution to that first.'
