Celtic captain Callum McGregor quashes Al Qadsiah exit talk: 'This is where I want to be'

Callum McGregor has made his intentions crystal clear. The Celtic captain, 33, has publicly stated he has no desire to leave the club this summer, despite lingering interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah - a team now managed by former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers. Speaking to media, McGregor left no room for doubt about his future. "This is the football club that has been part of my whole life. It's where I want to be, it's where I want to play football," he said. "I want to keep driving everything I possibly can to make sure this club is successful. The day that you do leave it, you want to leave it in a really good place." The Scotland international has two years remaining on his current contract at Parkhead and made 57 appearances across all competitions last season. In December, reports linked him with a move to the Middle East as Rodgers looked to reunite with his former midfielder, but no deal materialised in the winter window. Now McGregor has shut down any speculation ahead of the new campaign. Reflecting on a turbulent 2024-25 season that included a dreadful run of results under Wilfried Nancy, McGregor acknowledged the challenges his side overcame to secure a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title on the final day against Hearts. "There were obviously a few circumstances that made it more challenging than perhaps it has been in the past few seasons," he said. "You have to make sure when you face those challenges, you can overcome them. The group of boys and the staff that pulled the team through a really difficult season - that's what you need to build. Good characters, people that are willing to go to the death for each other." Looking ahead, McGregor expects a smoother ride. "This season hopefully we can do it in a bit more style, the way that we're used to. Work's been going on through pre-season to make sure that happens." Celtic have already been active in the transfer market, bringing in forwards Camilo Duran from Qarabag and Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt for a combined €18.4 million. Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Iheanacho have departed. McGregor welcomed the new arrivals. "We've signed two strikers, two really good players. It's good signs, positive steps and that is to add to what is a really good group already. We have the makings of a really good team." The captain added that Champions League football remains the benchmark: "The standard for us is trying to get to Champions League football - that's where we want to be, it takes the club to a different level."