'I won’t forget you': Ex-Celtic star issues emotional statement as he calls time on illustrious career

The 38-year-old has called time on his 20-year career,

Former Celtic, Hibs and Everton winger Aiden McGeady has released an emotional statement after confirming his retirement from professional football following a glittering 20-year career.

McGeady, who last featured for Ayr United in the Scottish Championship, brought down the curtain on a career that saw him play 621 games in all competitions, while also playing 92 times for the Republic of Ireland and issued an emotional statement that thanked ‘everyone who played a part in his story.’

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In a statement released on social media, McGeady said: “Football has given me so much and getting to play the game I loved at the top level is the stuff dreams are made of. I truly lived that dream every day on the pitch. There are so many memories, too many to mention, but getting to pull on the famous green and white Celtic jersey, the team I supported, was extremely special.

“Playing in the Champions League and individual honours I received there in front of those amazing fans are some of the most memorable moments of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to play for so many great teams in England, Scotland, Russia, brilliant memories at the best clubs.

“I will never forget the magical times representing Ireland for 13 years and getting to the Euros in the process. I have made lifelong friends in football, played with some world class team mates along the way. I’d like to thank all the managers, coaching staff and backroom staff that helped guide me through the good and bad times. From the start of my career as a boy, to the very end of it, thank you for the support.

“An extra special thank you to my loving family, friends, and advisers who have been with me on this journey every step of the way. To the fans and everyone who played a part in my footballing story, I won’t forget you. This part of my journey may be at the end, but I’m looking forward to the future. Thank you football.”

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Once described by his Sunderland boss Jack Ross as “unbelievably talented”, McGeady won four Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup during his time in Scotland. "Aiden is an unbelievably talented footballer,” said Ross, while managing him at Sunderland. “I played against him a lot and I didn’t know how good he was, he is immensely talented.

Aiden McGeady in action for Sunderland during a friendly against Celtic. Cr: SNS Group.Aiden McGeady in action for Sunderland during a friendly against Celtic. Cr: SNS Group.
Aiden McGeady in action for Sunderland during a friendly against Celtic. Cr: SNS Group. | SNS Group

Ross added: "His career is fitting of the talent he has. From very early he has bought into me and my staff, he enjoys it, he enjoys the fact we welcome discussion and comment.”

McGeady was crowned PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year in 2008 after his outstanding role in Celtic’s 2007/08 title win, while he also won the EFL League One playoffs and an EFL trophy during a six-season stay with Sunderland.

As a teenager, the Rutherglen-born player was offered trials at several clubs - including Arsenal - while on the books of Queen’s Park before he joined Glasgow giants Celtic at the turn of the millennium. Progressing through the academy ranks alongside the likes of Charlie Mulgrew, he made his senior debut for the club against Hearts at Tynecastle at the age of 18 in early 2004.

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He went on to score 37 goals in 252 games for the club before he made a big-money move to Spartak Moscow for a then Scottish record fee of £9.5million in 2010. He returned to the UK four years later, when he was signed by Everton in January 2014, but he made just 32 league appearance in his four years at Goodison Park, spending the majority of his time there out on loan, enjoying successful spells with both Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday.

McGeady eventually departed the Toffees on a permanent deal, linking up with his former Preston manager Simon Grayson at Sunderland, though Grayson was sacked just three months after his arrival as the Black Cats suffered back-to-back relegations, dropping into the third tier of English football.

McGeady during his debut season at Celtic.McGeady during his debut season at Celtic.
McGeady during his debut season at Celtic. | Getty Images

McGeady did become a vital part of their squad and won the club’s player of the year award in 2019 while playing under Ross. He helped Sunderland gain promotion back to the EFL Championship under another Scottish boss Alex Neil in 2022, but was released that summer and signed by then Hibs manager Lee Johnson. However, injury restricted him to just 14 competitive appearances at Easter Road.

His final senior club was Ayr between 2023 and 2024, where he also doubled up as part of the coaching staff as technical manager.

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