The Celtic fans’ protests towards the board coincide brilliantly with John McGinn signing a new Aston Villa contract.
How Celtic dealt with trying to sign McGinn in 2018 is just one of many examples of how those in suits aren’t fit for purpose.
After those extra millions weren’t put on the table by Celtic to Hibernian, the man dubbed ‘better than Zidane’ has forged an outstanding career with Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Only last season, McGinn faced Celtic in the Champions League, and unintentionally aided the Hoops’ first goal in their 4-2 defeat at Villa Park.
But the boyhood Celtic fan still has unfinished business at Villa.
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesJohn McGinn makes a plea after signing a new Aston Villa contract
McGinn once shared that Henrik Larsson is his hero, and he didn’t even rule out playing for Celtic one day when speaking about the matter last season.
But at the age of 31, McGinn has just signed a new Aston Villa contract that takes him until 2028, and he has now made a vow that could all but end any chances of him representing Scotland’s most successful club.
Speaking to The Guardian, the Scotland international stated that he is determined to end Villa’s wait to win a major trophy – they are favourites to win this season’s Europa League – and he is willing to go until he is ‘even 40’ to make it happen.
“It’s been an amazing journey and I have achieved so much, but everyone knows what would eclipse what we have already achieved,” McGinn says, alluding to Villa’s near 30-year wait for a major trophy.
“If it takes me until I’m 37, 38, or even 40, I’m just so determined for that to happen. Aye, hopefully the best is yet to come.”
Aston Villa is delighted to announce that Club Captain, John McGinn, has signed a new contract with the club.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 5, 2025
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What McGinn said last season about playing for Celtic
Back in November, ahead of Villa facing Celtic in the Champions League, McGinn jumped on the Premier Sports Podcast.
That’s where a Celtic fan asked him about playing for the champions one day, and he didn’t rule it out.
“Great question, cheers for that,” said McGinn. “I wasn’t expecting that on a Monday night. You never say never, obviously. When I was young, all I dreamed about was playing for Celtic.
“I didn’t ever see myself playing for Aston Villa, but life happens, football changes, and I’ve got two and a half years left to go at Villa.
“Whether that sees me off or I’ve still got some left in the tank (it remains to be seen).”