I was a fierce competitor for Celtic, though my toughest battle came after I retired

Despite only spending five years in Glasgow across his 24-year career, the prime of Artur Boruc’s career undoubtedly transpired at Celtic.

Signed originally on loan from Polish side Legia Warsaw, the eccentric goalkeeper made his move a permanent one under three months after joining, becoming a mainstay in between the sticks at Parkhead.

Making 221 appearances before moving to Serie A and Fiorentina, Boruc caught the eye with outstanding saves, on-field antics, and off-field headlines, becoming a true cult hero in the eyes of the Celtic support.

Earlier this year, however, the 46-year-old detailed his struggles, both before and after retirement, during an eye-opening interview in his homeland. “Not many people know about this, practically no one. I had my own AA mentor when I was still playing in Scotland,” Boruc revealed.

“My addiction was so serious that I had to seek help, and I was placed under the wing of a support group. I went to the casino to drink. That’s where they had alcohol after 10 pm. It was disturbing. I’m drawn to evil.

“It all started to become too much, even though I knew I could cope. I had the tools in the form of psychologists. But maybe it was my personality that prevented me from seeking help sooner.

“I got used to it, it was getting harder and harder, and only after a while did I begin to realise that my life wasn’t going in the direction I wanted.”

On his struggles since retiring, Boruc continued, “The last two years in Poland have taken a toll on me physically and probably mentally. And although I don’t miss the game itself, I really miss the whole atmosphere, sometimes the dressing room, the matches, and the friends I’ve had throughout my life. That’s probably what I miss most.

“I’m not a hero, I’m a human being who also has emotions, who, even if there were some weaker moments, I tried not to show them. But I gradually recovered from my addiction, and I believe the most difficult period is behind me, and a brighter future lies ahead.

“I was asked if I would cooperate if they made a movie about my life – I declined.”