Artur Boruc gets his treble with Cherries on top!

“The Bournemouth story is right up there one of the biggest moments of my life.”

Celtic may have missed out on the domestic Treble this season.

But their former keeper, Artur Boruc, has notched up a personal one all of his own.

Like the Hoops, the Polish keeper’s team back home, Legia Warsaw, have just won the title as did his current club, Bournemouth.

And there’s no doubt it is the latter’s success in the English Championship that has given Boruc the most satisfaction.

After more than a decade with big clubs and playing in major championships with his country, Boruc could have been forgiven for thinking a move to the Goldsands Stadium was beneath him.

Last September he was bombed out at Southampton after new boss, Ronald Koeman, spent £10m on Fraser Forster from Celtic.

Several clubs expressed an interest in the Pole during the January transfer window, but he knocked back every move, believing he would change Koeman’s mind and win him over.

But when the window closed, Boruc was banished to train away from the first team.

After two years of solid service in the Premiership under Mauricio Pochettino, he was disgusted at his treatment and knew had to get out.

Bournemouth offered to take him on loan and, after some soul-searching, he agreed. Boruc now reckons it’s the best move he’s ever made.

Against all odds, he has helped them win promotion to the Premiership and the £100m guaranteed prize money.

Boruc told The Sunday Post: “I’ve had a rollercoaster of a career and been very privileged to have played for some big clubs in some really big games, and represented my country on many big occasions.

“But the Bournemouth story is right up there one of the biggest moments of my life.

“Everything that has happened in the past few weeks has been quite unbelievable. We’ve made history and to be part of such a special squad of players, with a special manager, and an unbelievable group of hard-working and talented people behind the scenes has been a great experience.

“I’m very proud of the part I have played in this piece of history. Nobody can ever take any of this away from me.

“You know, I took a big gamble by dropping down a league. I had hoped to stay with Southampton and had enjoyed a really good time after I signed from Fiorentina.

“But they made it clear I wasn’t going to be part of the first-team squad, and I had to train with the reserve goalkeeping coach.

“I was told I wasn’t to train with the first team. I was disappointed to be treated that way and it changed everything.

“I had options to go to other clubs but turned them down because I wanted to be part of things at Southampton.

“But the transfer window had then closed. My options were extremely limited.

“I had to think of my future and the opportunity to join Bournemouth came up. I wasn’t quite sure what to make it of it all.

“We had played them in a pre-season game, and I remembered the style they played and the calibre of players they had. I’d been impressed.

“I felt they were ambitious and the club had a nice manner. I just had a sense something positive would come of it.

“So I thought we’d be good for each other. I’m delighted I made the decision. Could it have worked out any better?

“I’ve had a good season. The English Championship is a physical and very enjoyable league. I’ve kept clean sheets and contributed to what has been achieved.”

Boruc is now out of contract but is in negotiations with the Cherries over a new deal. He wants to stay but wherever he ends up in the new season, he has vowed to be a goalkeeper with a fresh hunger and outlook on his career.

The 35-year-old won three SPL titles at Celtic under Gordon Strachan. He gained a colourful reputation, and ‘The Holy Goalie’ became a focal point in Old Firm games.

Now he’s at a crossroads.

“I’m a free agent,” he said. “In the next week or two I’ll make a decision. We need to agree on one or two things but Bournemouth is my first choice.

“I want to make sure my fitness is good so I can play for many more years. But I need to keep improving my mind and my body. I know that I can’t stand still.

“There are many, many good goalkeepers all over the world, and I have to make sure that nobody takes away from me what I love doing the most.

“That’s why I have to be on top form all the time, be hungry for success and to keep achieving.

“I’ve had great times, but want to try and make the next three or four years the most productive and memorable of my career. Why not?”

“I feel we can do well in the Premiership. The manager is a special type. He is excellent at his job.

“He reminds me of Mauricio Pochettino. He wanted to play football every second of every game at Southampton and Eddie Howe is the same. It is very effective.

“The manager instils confidence. He encourages us to be brave on the ball and to be aware of the options around us.

“He makes sure there is desire and determination in every single minute of the game. He has a bright future.”

So, Boruc believes, does he.