As the buzz builds around Celtic’s summer transfer window, with Benjamin Nygren poised to join and the return of Kieran Tierney already confirmed former Parkhead favourite Charlie Mulgrew took a moment to remind fans of the lighter side of Scottish football.
Speaking during the unveiling of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership fixtures, Mulgrew was asked if Celtic players are keeping tabs on theRangers’ summer business. His response had the press room in stitches.
“No,” Mulgrew said with a grin to PLZ Soccer. “At this point in the season, you’re chatting about what night out you’re getting in the pre-season. We’re not chatting too much other than ‘Where are we going pre-season? Are we getting a night out?’”
He added: “Obviously, you see wee bits, but I don’t imagine they are sitting having discussions about Rangers’ signings and what they’re doing.”
While he acknowledged that players are always aware of the wider league picture, Mulgrew stressed the importance of focusing inward.
“I think deep down inside, you know, ‘Right, okay, they could be more of a threat this year, and they could be a challenge’. But you need to focus on yourself,” he said. “You can’t take your eye off the ball… get as fit as you can, get up to speed as quick as you can, and impress your manager quickly.”
Mulgrew, a fan favourite during his time at Celtic, also shared a memorable behind-the-scenes story from one of the club’s most iconic nights: the 2012 Champions League win over Barcelona.
“So I got drug tested. Me, Xavi, [Alexis] Sanchez and Kelvin Wilson, us four got drug tested,” he recalled. “I just kept peeing out the door so I wouldn’t miss him, and [Iniesta] came walking by.”
To his surprise, the Barcelona legend was eager to take home a Celtic souvenir.
“He wanted a Celtic jersey, so I took his, and gave him mine,” Mulgrew said. “Obviously, he would have taken anyone’s, but he just loved the Celtic jersey.”
From dressing room banter to gifting shirts to world-class talent, Mulgrew’s anecdotes offer a refreshing glimpse behind the headlines at Celtic Park.
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I don’t normally respond to articles like this…but for Charlie I’ll make an exception.
There was something JUST Missing in his play…that would have made him an exceptional player.
Lack of pace perhaps…but just SOMETHING.
As it is…he gave us some wonderful memories and I thank him for that.