Neil Lennon on Gordon Strachan’s harsh response to his retirement plans

The Celtic Star

·23 April 2024

Neil Lennon on Gordon Strachan’s harsh response to his retirement plans

Neil Lennon enjoyed a glittering career at Celtic Park back in the day. During his pomp, Lenny was part of a Celtic team that was strong and powerful, fearing nobody in the European game. Going toe-to-toe with the likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich and AC Milan, the Hoops at that particular moment in time were afraid of nobody under Martin O’Neill.

Neil Lennon of Celtic celebrates after his team win the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park on May 26, 2007. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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However, as time went on for Lennon at Paradise, his powers began to wane and he just couldn’t consistently perform to the level he would have liked towards the end of his tenure. Never one to be told he wouldn’t be in the team, the Lurgan-born Irishman decided to jump ship before he was pushed back then and admitted he felt that way after Kaka had given him the runaround in our UEFA Champions League Last-16 match in Milan once or twice in the past.

M AC Milan forward Kaka of Brazil and his teammate Gennaro Gattuso fall on the field as Celtic’s midfielder Neil Lennon (R) looks on during their Champions League last 16 second leg football match at San Siro stadium in Milan, 07 March 2007. (Photo CARLO BARONCINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Neil has now revealed that during the 2006/07 campaign he made up his mind towards the end of that one that it was to be his last in the green and white hoops and as Celtic captain too. He wanted to end on a high note as we had the opportunity to win two-in-a-row and also claim a Scottish Cup double that year and make it really memorable as he bid farewell to the place his heart called home.

Neil Lennon waves to fans after winning the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park on May 26, 2007 . (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The former midfielder has revealed to PLZ Soccer this week that when he told his gaffer back then, Gordon Strachan, of his plans to retire at the end of that season, the Scotsman had a very harsh reply to the news. Take a listen to Lenny discuss it below…

Never change, WGS!

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