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By GARY KEOWN Published: 07: 30 AEST, 27 April 2025 | Updated: 08: 09 AEST, 27 April 2025 View comments James Forrest has revealed he will make an emotional visit to Bobby Lennox later this week after overtaking the legendary Lisbon Lion to become the most decorated player in the history of Celtic. The 33-year-old winger made a second-half substitute appearance in his side’s 5-0 win at Dundee United yesterday, which clinched a 13th title in 14 years for the Parkhead outfit and earned him the 26th senior medal from his time at the club. A visibly emotional Forrest spent time inside Tannadice coming to terms with his achievement yesterday and revealed his desire to go and see Lennox after getting to know him during his rise through the ranks and aiming to live up to the humility he has always shown despite being a European Cup winner. ‘I think he is not keeping so great just now, but I will plan to go and see him this week, ’ revealed Forrest. ‘I have obviously met him a few times at games and stuff. ‘You might say I’ve gone beyond him, but, at this club, it is not about one player or two players. It is so many players. It is the fans, the staff you don’t see. ‘I have met his family and they are all so humble and I think that stands you in good stead for players coming through. ’ James Forrest speaks to Sky Sports after becoming Celtic's most decorated player in history Reo Hatate (left) and Jota enjoy their day at Tannadice as Celtic claimed the league title Brendan Rodgers greets the Celtic faithful after sealing the deal with a 5-0 win at Dundee United Forrest was the last player off the field following the post-match celebrations at Tannadice and found it hard to keep it together as he walked past the visiting fans chanting his name in the main stand on the way to the tunnel. Asked about being celebrated for his achievements, Forrest said: ‘I have loved it. As I was walking off the pitch, I started getting a bit emotional and having to try and control it. ‘It was an unbelievable feeling. I don’t know (why I got emotional). In the last few years, it has been a successful era for Celtic. I don’t know.   'You maybe don’t get a chance to celebrate it because you are on to the next one straight away. ‘It just kind of hit me and that’s not really like me. That is unbelievable to hear I am the most-decorated player and, hopefully, there is more to come. ’ Captain Callum Mc Gregor admits he shared a special moment in the dressing-room with his former youth-team companion and encouraged the many players celebrating their first league title to make sure they make the very most of it. ‘‘You never know when the next one might be, ’ he said. ‘I guarantee you, in 10 or 15 years’ time, when you don’t have that in your life, you’ll miss it, so you have to enjoy it as much as you can. You dedicate a huge portion of your life to being a footballer. ‘The demands on you every day are so high so when you get the chance to celebrate it. I want the players to feel that togetherness. These are the best days of your life as a player. ‘From five years old, I’ve wanted to become a footballer and I’ve lived my dream. It’s the best job in the world.   'One day, someone will tap me on the shoulder and I won’t have it in my life. Celtic players celebrate league glory after thrashing Dundee United 5-0  ‘Because we’ve been so successful, sometimes it might feel like press and repeat. Maybe players don’t enjoy it as much as they should.   'But we’re always on at them, myself, James Forrest, Kasper Schmeichel, the older guys, that they have to enjoy this because it’s the best feeling. “I dread not having it in my life, but that’s what motivates me. That hunger is probably in my DNA.   'My mum and dad are working-class people who tell me all the time you need to work for everything you get. ‘I’ve been here for so many years and, as you grow up, it becomes second nature - that you have to win and how you have to behave.   'You take that responsibility seriously. It is why you’ve dedicated your life to the sport. ‘James and I were chatting in the changing room. For him to now be standing on his own as the most decorated player in the club’s history is so special.   ‘It probably won’t sink in for him for years, but it’s an unbelievable achievement when you think of the names who have played for this club. “For him to be at the top of the tree is an amazing testament to him and how good a footballer he is, but also how good a person he is and how humble he is. His family are amazing people as well. ‘When I think of what we’ve achieved together, that’s 50-odd trophies. We had a quick moment together in the changing room, but then the focus shifts to the game next week and then the cup final. ’ Forrest also hailed the impact Mc Gregor, now with 24 medals of his own, has made on Celtic and has tipped the 31-year-old to break his record over the coming seasons. ‘I have known him since the Under-15s, 17s, ’ he said. ‘He has so many years to play and he will no doubt smash that record as well. It’s good that young boys who came through the academy can maybe see this and aspire to it. ’ Mc Gregor, in trademark fashion, though, has detailed the importance of next Sunday’s visit to Ibrox for the final Old Firm game of the campaign.   ‘It’s hugely important, ’ he said. ‘We know what has happened in the last couple of games against Rangers and we want to try and put that right if we can. ‘We want to go and win that game and the players are already thinking that. “I know the DNA of the club and know what it’s about - and when you lose games of football to Rangers, it hurts everybody. We’ve all pretty much been in a bad mood since then. ’

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