Alistair Johnston is shining with Celtic, even though he had to learn to live with the reality of being a Soccer player in Glasgow, Scotland.
The city is divided between two camps: Celtic and Rangers. And there are many supporters on both sides.
According to a UEFA report released in September, Celtic are one of 16 European clubs to have welcomed more than a million spectators to their local league matches during the 2023-24 season, joining a prestigious group including also FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester City.
If we add the Scottish Cup and UEFA matches, then Rangers have also reached a million spectators.
“You realize it’s not the same as playing in MLS,” said Johnston, who joined Celtic in December 2022 after five seasons with CF Montreal. In Nashville and Montreal, I could walk the streets without being noticed. »
“Every single person here knows who you are, so you either love it or you hate it,” he continued.
Johnston has received many praises and disparaging remarks from the elders who walk the streets.
He also had to adapt to being constantly in the spotlight. He walks his dog at night, and if he goes out in the middle of the day, “then I have to dress up.”
“The passion of the people here (for soccer) is incredible,” he confided. That’s what I learned: I’m not going to be here forever, so I have to enjoy the moment, because it’s not normal — and it’s not normal in many cities around the world, and it doesn’t t’s not normal for many players, no matter what club you play for… It’s a unique experience, and I really enjoy it. »
According to numerous rumors circulating in Scotland, Celtic plan to reward him with a lucrative deal which will allow him to stay in Glasgow beyond the summer of 2027.
Johnston will be back in the spotlight Friday when Canada, currently 35th in the FIFA world rankings, begins a home-and-away Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against No. 136 Suriname in Paramaribo. He is just one appearance away from reaching the career milestone of 50 for his country.
“It’s special,” admitted Johnston, who spoke with The Canadian Press from the Canadian team’s camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is a remarkable feat. I never thought I would go there four years ago when I made my first appearance for Canada. I’m happy to be here, happy to be here for the first time with the cream of the crop in the country, including Atiba (Hutchinson), Milan (Borjan), Jo David (Jonathan David), Phonzie (Alphonso Davies), and all these other guys I watched on TV and followed closely. »
The 26-year-old from Aurora, Ontario, has appeared regularly on Canada’s scoresheet since making his first cap at age 22 in March 2021, in a 5-1 win over Bermuda in World Cup qualifying. World Cup.
If we include this match, then Johnston has participated in 49 of the last 57 matches for the Maple Leaf representatives on the international scene.
