James Forrest has spoken to the media ahead of Celtic’s trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie tomorrow evening in the Scottish Premiership.
The 33-year-old has written himself into the Parkhead history books and has been in the first-team picture since 2010, registering 109 goals and 108 assists in 519 appearances.
Recently, James Forrest signed a one-year contract extension at Celtic to continue his long association with the club into a 15th successive year, cementing himself as a legend at Parkhead.
In a footballing world where one-club men are a dying breed, Forrest is a whisker off becoming Celtic’s most-decorated player, a feat he will move within one medal of should the Bhoys see off Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final this month.
Referencing his decision to renew his vows with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, the Scotland international has explained why it was an easy decision.
James Forrest on Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic contract renewal
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s trip to face Aberdeen, Forrest laid out his main motivation after signing on the dotted line and also paid tribute to how Brendan Rodgers has impacted him during the Irishman’s second spell.
He stated: “Obviously, I signed a year extension. Delighted to be here, delighted to be a part of the club for another year.
“My agent started talking to the club just after pre-season, and I think it’s worked really well, me and the club over the years, and I’m just delighted to keep working hard here and keep playing a part in the success of the club.
On Rodgers, he continued: “I really enjoyed his first spell here and then when he came back, I think there was maybe three or four players that had him before.
“Me and Cal, we told a lot of the younger boys that they’d enjoy working with him and I think throughout the last season, that became apparent and as I said, I’m delighted to extend my deal and hopefully, he is here as well.”
The James Forrest Celtic story continues to produce
Regarded as a unique case in the modern game, Forrest’s love affair with Celtic shows no signs of drawing to a close despite the veteran now entering his twilight years.
Admittedly, his stamina may not be what it once was, but his game holds no shortage of quality. For reference, stat-trackers Fotmob show he has created 15 chances on league duty this term.
Across all competitions, Forrest has registered five assists in 19 appearances. Considering that he is prominently a substitute, those are some impressive numbers that project a sense of reliability.
Over the festive period, the 33-year-old will get plenty of chances to stake his claim for regular minutes as an experienced member within an excellent pool of talent.
