Martin O’Neill insisted that the rekindling of his love affair with Celtic has given him a reason to live after leading the club to the most dramatic league title in their history.
In the most stunning finale, Celtic scored twice in the last few minutes to snatch the trophy away from a Hearts side who looked set to become champions for the first time in 66 years.
Daizen Maeda scored with only three minutes left to play, before substitute Callum Osmand netted deep into stoppage-time to spark chaotic scenes as fans invaded the pitch.
It was a fourth league title as Celtic boss for 74-year-old O’Neill, who twice came to the rescue this season after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy.
‘I must admit, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I could experience this with those lads up there,’ said the veteran boss.
‘The players, the coaching staff, they have given me a reason to live — and that’s not to say that my family haven’t.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill lifts the Premiership trophy after a final-day triumph
The Celtic boss lifts the trophy with club captain Callum McGregor
O’Neill says guiding Celtic to league glory has rejuvenated him
‘I feel rejuvenated. In October, I was having a coffee on the Kings Road, enjoying retirement.
‘I thought the days of me here at Celtic Park lifting trophies were well and truly gone.
‘This is the most special place on earth. I think that when there is absolute unison in this stadium, it is a sight to behold.
‘I think obviously the players have been absolutely magnificent, epitomised by the captain. But, overall, we could not have won it without the fans. Absolutely not. I really appreciate it.
‘We made plenty of mistakes, but there’s great mental courage in the team, which has carried us over the line.’
In a season which has largely been coloured by acrimony and fan protests, Celtic pulled it out the fire in the final moments to claim a 56th championship.
Hearts had led the way since September, only to be pipped at the final hurdle as O’Neill’s side triumphed in the most dramatic fashion.
O’Neill’s side had actually been five points adrift at the start of April, only to reel off seven straight wins at the end of the campaign.
‘We have been in front for eight or nine minutes [since I arrived],’ he said, acknowledging how late his team left it.
‘This group have been through a lot, a resignation, me coming in and leaving, another fella coming in and leaving. That is disturbing for a team.
‘We have lots of things to put right but the fighting spirit in the camp is special. For all the tactics in the world, it is about heart.
Celtic celebrate winning one of the most dramatic title races in Scottish football history
‘Great players can pick a pass, and it looks great, like the tactics are working a treat. We might not have that, so we have to show some heart.
‘When Callum Osmand went through to score, that was the only moment in my whole time [I thought we would win it].
‘Of course, you have thoughts in your head that we can do it. I never gave up on the team.
‘If you asked me before the Rangers game: “Can we take it into the final day of the season?’ I’d have taken it all day long.’
On the contribution of Hearts over the course of a mesmerising season, O’Neill added: ‘They have been brilliant.
‘Hearts have been brilliant this year and it is a wake-up call to Celtic and Rangers.
‘They have been the story of the year. They were six or seven minutes from winning it and if they had they would have deserved it.’
O’Neill will now lead Celtic into next week’s Scottish Cup Final against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline at Hampden.
O’Neill will be hoping he’ll be clutching another trophy when Celtic play Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final next week
That is likely to be his last match in charge, although has yet been confirmed with regards to the club’s managerial situation heading into next season.
‘I genuinely don’t know,’ said O’Neill when asked about his future. ‘Has anybody talked to me? No, but I wasn’t expecting that. There will be time for conversations after the cup final.
‘I’m pretty old so it does take it out of you. I’m delighted for the team and the supporters. Let’s see what next week brings.
‘I was in this very spot last season talking to Brendan [Rodgers] about winning it and I was really jealous. Not for one minute did I think I’d be back here.
‘It has been really sensational for me. I really can’t believe it.’
