Rather than produce some flowery introduction I’ll cut to the chase and reproduce a fascinating insight into Artur Boruc’s Celtic career.
Throughout five years at Celtic he rarely spoke in public and when he did it wasn’t in the headline grabbing style of his performances.
Five years of mainly highs and occasional lows came to a halt in the summer when he left his Celtic team-mates behind to begin a new career in Serie A with Fiorentina.
The keeper was at the heart of three consecutive championships, two incredible Champions League campaigns and was there as the wheels came off spectacularly leading to the 4-0 shambles at St Mirren that cost Tony Mowbray his job.
Thanks to a mutual friend Video Celts plucked up the courage to ask Artur some searching questions and he didn’t disappoint with the honesty of his answers.
1) Video Celts: February 2007 Celtic lost out in extra-time to AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions Leagie- Milan went on to win the trophy.
Since then things have slipped downhill at Celtic. Did you feel that that night in the San Siro could have been the start of something special or was that as good as it’s likely to get for the club?
ARTUR BORUC: “We got into the last 16 the following season as well? In 2007 Milan won the title and I don’t think they were that much greater than us. You can’t expect a club with a smaller budget to challenge for the Champions League every season but I don’t think a club like Celtic should have the final 16 as the biggest level of success.
“Lesser clubs than Celtic have managed to get huge successes like Porto and Monaco both reached the final. People thought I was crazy when I used to say we were aiming to win by why not?
2) VC: Amongst the many images and memories of your time at Celtic two stand out. Going into the Celtic support to pick up a flag after losing at Rangers as league champions and wearing the Pope t-shirt after beating Rangers at Celtic Park. Did anyone within Celtic ever comment on these matters or ask you to be more low profile/less controversial?
AB “I never broke any laws at Celtic so what could someone say to me? I was enjoying successes with our fans is that such a big deal? It seemed it was to some people but I didn’t really care.
“If I took a flag and the Celtic fans hated me for it I’d be sorry but if anyone else was bothered I won’t lose sleep.
“The Pope T-shirt. Well I think sometimes the way people act to situations shows more for them than it did about me but everyone can have an opinion. I just don’t have to care about everyone’s opinion though and don’t expect them to be bothered about mine.”
3) VC: In March/Aprl 2008 Celtic lost 1-0 to Rangers at Ibrox then 1-0 at home to 10 man Motherwell. The fans were furious, the title looked lost, many supporters chanted Strachan GTF.
There were still two home games with Rangers to come but things looked bleak, at that point did you still believe that with the manager under fire and form poor that there was the strong characters in the dressing room to bounce back and make it 3-in-a-row?
AB: “I done an interview with Celtic Tv after that game verses Motherwell and told the fans we would win the league. I could see Rangers were not great and would drop points and believed if we’d win every game we’d win the title and we did luckily.
“You’re playing for Celtic. You can’t give up till it is over and there is no choice. I think most fans thought the same.
Artur Boruc official You Tube channel
…………………………………….CLICK HERE for page 2…………………………..
……………..CLICK HERE for page 2……….
4) VC: December 27 2008 Scott McDonald scores the winner against Rangers at Ibrox and Celtic go seven points clear.
From then on that season fell apart, we were barely able to string two wins together and finally stumbled in the last two matches drawing with Hibs and Hearts allowing Rangers to win the title.
Is there anything that you can pinpoint, any circumstances or reasons that explain why the title was lost from such a strong position?
AB “Well that season wasn’t acceptable and as part of the team you have to be big and take responsibility.
“I had some horrible moments that season and things that were happening off the pitch not to do with football that I let impact me on the pitch which isn’t acceptable as I’m supposed to be professional.
“I think things at the club could have been managed better that season to get us success but I don’t think when you’re in a team who doesn’t win the title you can look to blame others.
5) VC: Gordon Strachan initially signed you on loan. What were your feelings about going on loan to a new club/country. Did you feel Strachan was unsure of you or did the arrangement suit you in keeping open other options?
AB “I wasn’t first choice. Celtic wanted another keeper and hadn’t saw me enough to purchase me. If it’s loan or transfer when you get the chance to play at a club like Celtic you go.
“You don’t think about the manager or the country. You go to the club. On the loan I had people telling me perhaps I could go to Arsenal but I chose to sign for Celtic and I’m happy I did.”
6) VC: “Were you surprised when Strachan resigned the day after the final match of the 2008/09 season against Hearts. Did he say much after that match, did the players have a feeling that he’d be leaving at the end of the season?
AB “He signed me for the club so I will always appreciate it. I was more upset that we had lost the league than lost our manager. I’m sure he himself would have had more emotion at losing the league than anything else.
“The club is the main thing. Managers change and that is life. I’m not one to make a big dance about it.”
7) VC: Have you had much contact with Celtic fans after moving to Fiorentina, there are a few pockets of Celtic supporters around Italy. How would you feel about coming back to play for Fiorentina against Celtic in a competitive match- you would get an amazing reception!
AB “I’ve not had much contact apart from friends from Glasgow I stay in contact with. I’d not be so comfortable playing against Celtic. I hope this is a question I never have to answer.”
8) VC: Have you given life after playing football any thoughts. Does managing or being a goalkeeper interest you, media work or are there challenges you want to experience outside of football and away from publicity?
AB “Life for me starts after the football ends. I’ve got kids and family and you have to enjoy these things in life. It’s the most important thing to me.
“Maybe I’ll go into coaching but really I’m not thinking too far ahead. I’m just hoping to keep doing good for Fiorentina. I don’t look to the future.”
An earlier Q and A with Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc official You Tube channel
Kenny Dalglish takes over at Liverpool
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
what does it say on his tattoo ?
The one on his neck says, ‘addicted to’ then what, to me, looks like some kind of musical note/symbol.
The monkeys erse round his navel he’s had removed.
His neck tattoo says ‘Addicted to S’.
The ‘S’ i presume stands for Sex, or maybe Sucess. Or maybe even Skelping huns. Maybe.