Celtic legend Callum McGregor reacted to the terrible critics of Gary Neville on the lost of penalty than handed over the Scottish cup to Aberdeen In an interviews

Heartbreak and Backlash: McGregor Vows to Bounce Back After Cup Final Defeat Amid Neville Criticism

Celtic captain Callum McGregor was left devastated following Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final loss to Aberdeen, marking a rare low point in his illustrious career. The 31-year-old midfielder missed the opening penalty in the shootout, giving Aberdeen the upper hand in a dramatic finale. Despite his experience and decorated career, it was the first time McGregor tasted defeat in a final with Celtic, having previously triumphed in his previous 14 appearances.

The match ended in heartbreak for the Hoops, with Aberdeen securing their first Scottish Cup victory since 1990. McGregor looked inconsolable at full-time, needing words of comfort from manager Brendan Rodgers. The Celtic skipper later described it as the worst moment of his career, highlighting the depth of emotion and disappointment he felt.

McGregor, however, remains defiant in the face of adversity. In his post-match comments, he vowed to use the pain of the defeat as motivation for the next season, promising to return stronger. “You have to take this hurt and make sure it drives you forward,” he said. “It’s never easy, but these moments can be the making of a team and a player.”

Since making his senior debut for Celtic in 2014, McGregor has carved out a remarkable career at the club. He has won 24 major honours, made 518 appearances, scored 74 goals, and provided 80 assists. As a leader on and off the pitch, he has been a driving force behind Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football over the past decade.

McGregor is hopeful of even greater success next season, with Brendan Rodgers reportedly aiming to strengthen the squad. The return of close friend Kieran Tierney has also been hinted at, raising hopes of a bolstered Celtic side in the coming campaign.

Despite his status as a club legend, not everyone was sympathetic to McGregor’s misstep. Former Manchester United defender and pundit Gary Neville launched a stinging rebuke on social media following the match. “Scandalous from that Celtic captain McGregor. Celtic should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him. The Celtic fans, players and manager do not deserve that,”

Neville wrote on X (formerly Twitter), igniting a flurry of debate among fans and pundits alike.

Neville’s harsh criticism stood in contrast to the overwhelming support McGregor received from Celtic supporters and teammates, many of whom praised his commitment and leadership throughout the season.

As the dust settles on a bitterly disappointing end to the campaign, McGregor is already looking ahead. With his experience, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the club, few doubt that he will bounce back. This defeat, as painful as it is, may well serve as a turning point a reminder that success in football must be constantly earned.

Callum McGregor remains a Celtic legend, and if his words are anything to go by, he’s far from finished.