Rangers star says he has been congratulated on title by Celtic icon Mikael Lustig

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Rangers defender Filip Helander has told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen that Celtic icon Mikael Lustig has congratulated him on winning the Scottish Premiership title – despite Celtic missing out on 10 in a row.

Lustig, 32, helped Celtic win eight of their nine consecutive Scottish Premiership titles during an eight-year spell in which he clocked up 273 games for the Hoops. He also helped them win four Scottish Cups, and four League Cups.

Having left Celtic during the summer of 2019, Lustig joined Belgian side Gent but after failing to impress – he has since returned to Sweden with AIK. A national teammate of Helander, the two have spoken about the title.

Indeed, Helander has stated that while there has been some jokes about Rangers pipping Lustig’s beloved Celtic to the title – the Rangers defender has admitted that Lustig has shown a touch of class by congratulating him.

“He’s not so happy but I’m happy,” Helander said, when asked about Lustig’s reaction as the two combine for Sweden. “He has received little jibes. But he has actually congratulated me. I expected nothing else.”

TBR’s view – Can Celtic recover immediately?

If they are going to do so, the summer revamp many expect them to have this summer has got to be near-perfect. They need a new goalkeeper, a permanent right-back, centre-backs and a left-back just to begin with.

A replacement for Scott Brown, options out wide with Mo Elyounoussi likely to return to Southampton, another option if Ryan Christie departs and a whole new strikeforce. It is a big job, but if they get it right, they are capable.