Artur Boruc exclusive- Q & A with The Holy Goalie

In July this year a massive character in Celtic’s recent history, Artur Boruc, left the club for life in Serie A with Fiorentina.

After five action packed years in Glasgow the man who became known as The Holy Goalie was gone without a farewell to the supporters who thrilled at his ability, loved his personality and defended his mistakes when the stick started to fly.

Life in Glasgow has certainly been quieter without the constant buzz surrounding the Pole who has settled in quietly to life in Florence.

After a frustrating spell on the substitutes bench THG got his breakthrough when Sebastian Frey got injured but after five Serie A appearances, including away matches at AC Milan and Juventus, a shoulder injury has put the ‘keeper out of action until the new year.

Through a third party Video Celt was able to put ten questions to THG which covers his colourful career at Celtic, his departure and a look into the future.

VC What is your greatest memory of your Celtic career?

THG “There are many. Perhaps beating Rangers in the Cup Final. It is always important to win prizes but more so against your rival.”

VC What did you know about the Celtic-Rangers game going into your first match at Ibrox, those games defined your Celtic career?

THG “I knew we didn’t like them and they didn’t like us and it was a derby. I never realised how important it was before my first match but I learned.”

VC Who was the best player that you played alongside at Celtic?

THG “There was many good players at Celtic especially early- Roy Keane, Zurawski, Nakamura. My favourite players were Petrov and Zaluska.”

VC When you were at Glasgow Airport did you know that you would be going to Pisa as Celtic flew to Boston or did things change between Glasgow and London?

THG “It’s hard to say… I was going to Boston but I guess I knew I wasn’t going to Boston. Things were complicated but that’s life.”

VC Was it emotional turning your back on Celtic team-mates knowing that you’d never go into the huddle again?

THG “You leave your teammates. This is normal in football and I don’t cry about it. Those I want to speak to again I will but I was at Celtic to win not to make friends.”

Artur in action against Juventus

VC When you beat Rangers 2-1 in May and you came off for Lucasz did you know that was your final Celtic appearance?

THG “I never knew for certain but I believed it was my last game. It was good to win as it was nice to be able to enjoy the stadium one more time with a happy memory.”

VC  The Champions League is very special/important, do you think Celtic can get back to the heights of 2006 and 2007 when they qualified from the Group Stage?

THG “It looks very hard for this to happen. There are obvious differences in Celtic from then and now and I’m not sure they are good changes. I’m sure the supporters know enough to not need me to explain that.”

VC  How emotional was the title winning night at Dundee United two days after the funeral of Tommy Burns?

THG “Tommy Burns was a great guy. It was good to win as a memory to Tommy.”

VC  La Viola fans are very passionate, have you struck up a good relationship with them?

THG “The supporters are good but at the moment they do not understand me and I’m still building an understanding of them and the club. It’s important to know who you are playing for and why and to build an important relationship takes time.”

VC If you came over for a game at Celtic Park would you rather watch from the Directors Box or singalong with the Green Brigade?

THG “It’s not if it’s when and I think I will be more welcome to stand with the supporters than be in the directors box so maybe I’ll come to a game possibly this time next year. I hope anyway.”

Thanks Artur, for the interview and five years service and memories.

Feel free to add your own thoughts and memories of THG and any questions will be sent on to Artur.

Artur Boruc YouTube channel

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