Boruc’s warm embrace with Celtic goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods

The game over in Poland during the week for Artur Boruc’s farewell now that he has decided to hang up the gloves was a success by all accounts. In what was an emotional day for Artur and both sets of fans, all came together to pay tribute to a giant of both Celtic and Legia Warsaw. There was not a dry eye in the house as Artur came onto the park for the last time; and then the tears really started flowing.

The big man – affectionately known as the Holy Goalie in the East End of Glasgow – was overcome with emotion as he tried to keep it together in what was a monumental milestone in his life and career as a footballer. With memories aplenty probably flooding back from both his time at Celtic Park and Warsaw, you would forgive him if he cried more than what he did.

With that said, a beautiful moment occurred during the celebrations of Artur’s career in the game; his former goalkeeping coach at Celtic Stevie Woods gave him a big hug in a warm embrace that would melt the heart of a snowman in all honesty. You could see the appreciation both men had for one another and it was visible through the television screen on Wednesday night.

Stevie will have worked with many goalkeepers during his tenure at Parkhead and Lennoxtown. However, it could be argued none were as talented (or as crazy for that matter) as the big Pole. Never one to shy away from controversy either, Boruc stood his ground in Scotland when religious hatred was directed at him. And in true Boruc fashion, he told them all where to shove it.

God bless you, Artur!