James Forrest has opened up on his Celtic future, insisting that he loves working hard and training every day, as retirement looms scarily in the distance.
The 35-year-old spoke to the media at Celtic Park this afternoon ahead of his side's trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.
"Every player is different," Forrest said when asked about his current contract, which is due to expire at the end of the season. "My situation, for me and the club over the years, it's worked well. Obviously, I'm getting older, and I just really want to enjoy, keep working hard, and keep trying to contribute to the team when I can.
"When that discussion comes, I honestly just want to keep trying to enjoy every day. I've loved it here. I've given everything to Celtic, and I want to continue to do that. It's been a really good fit up until now.
"I really enjoy working hard in training and being involved with the boys.
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"I think, maybe this season, it'll come to a stage where we may talk to the club.
"I'll give everything to Celtic. If it comes to a point where I keep playing and they don't want me, I don't know.
"But I love football, I've played football since I was a wee boy. I still love it just now as well. As I said, I've given everything to Celtic and I'll continue to do that until my contract is up. Maybe then, they'll shove me out the door anyway. We'll see what happens!"
Now the most decorated player in Celtic's 137-year history, Forrest has been savouring every moment of late: "The past 18 months, I've tried to take it in and enjoy it even more," he admitted. "I have tried to take it in. Obviously, when I finish, I'll look back.
"It has been a great time here, but hopefully I can add to that before I finish."
"It's scary," Forrest said of retirement. "Because you've left school at 16, and it's all you've ever done and all you've ever known.
"People go down different paths once they finish. I don't really know what I'll do after."
