Celtic boss Neil Lennon pays tribute to 'icon' Boruc

Boruc had been Celtic's first-choice goalkeeper since 2005

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has praised the contribution of goalkeeper Artur Boruc after his transfer to Fiorentina.

The Poland international ended his five-year stay at Celtic Park on Thursday, signing a two-year deal with the Serie A club.

And Lennon, a teammate of Boruc's for two seasons, said he would be remembered as one of the club's all-time great goalkeepers.

"I think he became an icon with the fans," Lennon told the club's website.

Boruc joined Celtic from Legia Warsaw and went on to make over 150 appearances for the club, earning 43 international caps.

I hope I can return as a spectator and a supporter in the future Fiorentina goalkeeper Artur Boruc

"His performances, predominantly in the first three or four seasons, was as good as anything I have seen as a Celtic goalkeeper," said Lennon.

"He was brilliant to play with and I was lucky enough to play alongside him in the last couple of years.

"He was probably the best goalkeeper I have played with in my career and certainly one of the best I have seen at Celtic in a long, long time.

"I am sorry to see him go, obviously, but that is just progression in football and I wish him well for the future," he added.

Boruc has vowed to return as a Celtic fan some time in the future.

"It has been a privilege to play for such a massive club like Celtic and the support that I have received has been amazing and made my time at the club a very special part of my career and my life," he said.

"I would like to thank the club for their support and give the Celtic fans a special 'hail, hail!'.

"The club and the fans are unique and I will continue to take an interest and follow the progress of Celtic.

"I hope I can return as a spectator and a supporter in the future and I wish my successor the very best of luck."