Aiden McGeady on that ‘famous green and white Celtic jersey’

The Celtic Star

·18 Oktober 2024

Aiden McGeady on that ‘famous green and white Celtic jersey’

Aiden McGeady has reflected on playing for the ‘famous green and white Celtic jersey’ after calling time on his playing career…

Kirk Broadfoot brings down Aiden McGeady in the penalty box for a penalty and is subsequently sent off during the League Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on March 15, 2009. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The former Republic of Ireland internationalist announced his retirement yesterday following a 20-year professional career in the game. Graduating from Celtic’s academy, McGeady would go onto make 231 appearances for his boyhood club prior to his lucrative move to Russian side Spartak Moscow in 2010.

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Famously making his Celtic debut at the age of 18 at Tynecastle, the Denny-born tricky winger scored in his first ever outing for the Celts under Martin O’Neill’s stewardship.

Aiden McGeady of Celtic celebrates scoring a penalty with Scott McDonald against Rangers during the League Cup Final fat Hampden on March 15, 2009. (Photo GRAHAM STUART/AFP via Getty Images)

Across his six-year period under four different managers, McGeady won the league three times for Celtic, and was a Scottish League Cup winner in the 2008/2009 campaign. Integral to that trophy win, he scored a penalty against Rangers at the national stadium to seal a memorable day for Gordon Strachan’s side.

Despite leaving Celtic for Eastern Europe, the former Hoops man would face his old team in the 2012/2013 Champions League group stages. Unfortunately for McGeady, he was on the wrong side of the scoreline as Neil Lennon done the double over Spartak Moscow capping off a memorable European campaign for Celtic that season.

Celtic players John Kennedy, Stephen McManus and Aiden McGeady pay tribute to Celtic and Scotland international football legend Tommy Burns, who died yesterday, May 15, 2008 aged 51, after losing his battle with cancer, at Celtic Park on May 16, 2008. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Also impressing in noticeable spells at Everton and Sunderland, the 38 year-old spent eight years of his career in England. During that period, he starred for his country Republic of Ireland 93 times. Ending his career with several injuries at Hibs and then Scottish Championship side Ayr United, McGeady has decided to hang up the boots.

Writing on LinkedIn, the ex Celtic icon reflected back on his impressive playing career, “after much thought and consideration, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from professional football.”

“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 out 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.”

Thierry Henry of Barcelona chases Aiden McGeady of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League 2nd leg of the First knockout round match between FC Barcelona and Celtic at the Camp Nou stadium on March 4, 2007. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“The titles, the trophies, 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 and 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 many lifelong friends in football, played with some world class teammates along the way. I’d like to thank all the managers, coaching staff and backroom staff that helped guide me through the good and the 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 thanks to my loving family, my friends, and advisors who have been with me on this journey every step of the way. To the fans and everyone that played a part in my footballing story, I won’t forget you. This part of the journey may be at the end, but I’m looking forward to the future! Thank you, football. Aiden McGeady.”