Neil Lennon has paid tribute to Mikael Lustig after the Sweden star confirmed his departure from the club.
The Celtic boss was the man who signed the right back initially and admits it was a ‘massive privilege’ to work alongside him.
Record Sport exclusively revealed Lustig is expected to join Gent after going for a medical and it's understood the defender was offered a one-year deal but he wanted more security.
And after the 32-year-old confirmed his exit in an emotional Instagram post, tributes poured in to remember his time at the club and Lennon didn’t hold back on his praise for the defender.
He told CelticTV: “I was delighted to bring Mika to Celtic and he has been phenomenal for me and the club.
“Mika has chosen to move elsewhere, but that is absolutely his right, these things happen, but it will not in any way take away from what he has achieved at Celtic.
“I wish Mika nothing but success for the future, he has been a brilliant servant to the club and has made a massive contribution to everything we have achieved across so many years. It has been a privilege to work with Mika. A top international player, he always gave everything for the team, he gave his heart and soul to every performance and I loved having him on my side.
“I am sure he will go on and continue to enjoy a really successful career, and myself and everyone at the club wish Mika and his family nothing but success for the future.”
Chief executive Peter Lawwell is another who only had good things to say for as he insisted he should be proud of everything he achieved at the club.
Lustig leaves having won eight league titles, four Scottish Cups and four League Cups during his seven-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
Lawwell added: “Mika has been a huge part of Celtic over so many years and I am sure all our fans, as well as thanking him, will wish him well in everything he does in the future.
“His appearances and trophy count at Celtic and the number of international caps he has achieved, demonstrate exactly the level of player Mika has been consistently over a long period of time.
“For Celtic he has been a real force, a highly-talented player who always fought for our cause. He has been crucial to so much of what we have achieved as a club.
“Everyone at the club sends their best wishes to both Mika and his family and we hope they enjoy a very successful future.
“As well as making a huge impression on the club over so many years since he joined, Mika leaves Celtic as a treble Treble champion, something he should always be immensely proud of.
“We thank Mika for everything.”
