“I just knew that I wanted to stay, and he wanted me to stay,” James Forrest | OneFootball

Celtic legend James Forrest has revealed the moment he came closest to departing the club almost a decade ago…

James Forrest scores and celebrates. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 17 May 2025. Photo Robert Perry Shutterstock

Amid instability at the club following the 2015/16 campaign – highlighted by an embarrassing loss in the Scottish Cup semi final to then-Championship side theRangers under Ronny Deila – the Norwegian boss stepped down as Forrest approached the end of his contract.

That summer, the club brought in Brendan Rodgers as manager, and one of his earliest decisions was to hand the Scotland international a new contract. “I think the only time that I really came close [to leaving]was when my contract was running down and I had six months left on it,” Forrest told The Celtic Star and other fan media outlets this week.

“It was during the gaffer’s first spell when he had just come to the club. It was strange because my contract was up in December, so I could have signed for teams on the 1st of July.”

“The gaffer came in, and then within a week, I had two conversations, and then right away, I just knew that I wanted to stay, and he wanted me to stay. We got the contract done pretty quickly, and I’ve never looked back.”

James Forrest scores late goal and celebrates. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park – 17 May 2025. Photo Robert Perry Shutterstock

Celtic’s most decorated player added: “When you’re playing well and doing well for Celtic, then the international scene comes along with it, as well as playing Champions League games and going for trophies.

“That has been the only spell where I thought I didn’t know where I was going to go. I don’t know if the club wanted me to move on. I just didn’t know what was going to happen, but it has worked out perfectly. Hopefully, before I finish, I can get some more good moments.”

James Forrest and Bobby Lennox at Celtic Park. Photo Celtic FC

In August 2016, Forrest committed to a new three-year contract with Celtic and has since surpassed Lisbon Lion Bobby Lennox’s record of 25 trophies to become the most decorated player in the club’s history.

This weekend, the 27 year-old has the opportunity to claim his 27th major trophy as Celtic face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.

On Trophy Day last Saturday, he found the net in a 1-1 draw against St Mirren, marking his 16th straight season with a goal – a milestone not reached by a Celt since Paul McStay.

Conor Spence

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