Mikael Lustig, hailing from Sweden, holds the position of hero in the hearts of the Celtic faithful. Born on the 13th December 1986, the 1.89m (6ft 2in) and 77kg (12st 1lb) defender primarily served as a right back throughout his illustrious career.
Showing signs of promise, Lustig began his football journey in July 2004 at GIF Sundsvall in the Swedish Superettan as a trainee. Over the seasons, he gradually made his mark, first with a total of eight appearances and two goals in 2005, then moving on to make 16 appearances and netting one goal in 2008.
In July 2008, Lustig made the move from GIF Sundsvall to Norway's Eliteserien club, Rosenborg. During his tenure, he increased his involvement in the first team, with his appearances ranging from 11 in 2008 to 30 in 2011, scoring a total of 14 goals in his Norwegian stint.
Yet, it was in January 2012 when Lustig made the pivotal decision of his career, transferring from Rosenborg to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. This move would prove to become the defining chapter in his career. In the verdant fields of Celtic Park, Lustig would cement his name into the annals of Celtic folklore.
His Celtic career started in the 2011-2012 season, where he made four appearances. However, by the 2012-2013 season, Lustig had become a stalwart in the team, securing 23 appearances and scoring three goals. His performances were consistent; he often featured in the first team and contributed goals in crucial matches. His ability to score became more highlighted in the 2015 - 2016 season when he scored four goals in his 30 appearances.
Lustig's resolve, dedication, and innate sense of understanding the rhythms and flows of the game made him an irreplaceable asset for Celtic. As the seasons passed, his contributions went beyond just numbers and encompassed more intangible qualities that truly defined his time at the club. He made his final appearance for Celtic in the 2018 - 2019 season, making a total of 27 appearances and scoring two goals.
After his time at Celtic, Lustig transferred to Gent in Belgium's Pro League in July 2019, making 16 first team appearances in the 2019-2020 season. Then in August 2020, Lustig made a move back to his homeland, joining AIK in Sweden's Allsvenskan. Ever consistent, he made a strong impact, making 67 appearances and scoring four goals over three seasons.
As of January 2023, Lustig's next adventure awaits. But for now, his legacy lives on. Unforgettable, cherished, and loved, Lustig's loyal service to Celtic will be etched in the club's history, forever revered by the Celtic faithful.
