A FORMER Celtic fan favourite has decided to swap penalty boxes for ballot boxes – by entering the world of politics.
It’s a very surprising move for the seven-time Celtic title winner given the fact he has never even voted before in his life.
Emilio Izaguirre won over fans at Celtic during his long stint at Parkhead[/caption]
Emilio Izaguirre, 38, is still very much still involved in football despite retiring in 2022.
He’s currently the sporting director of Honduran side Motagua – the club Celtic signed him from in 2010.
But while he continues his role with the top flight side, Izaguirre will also dip his toes into the water of politics.
He’s accepted an invitation from the Liberal Party of Honduras to join their campaign which would see him have an important position if they win the election on March 6.
Should Jorge Calix, the presidential candidate Izaguirre is backing, win the election then the former Celtic man will be appointed his sports commissioner.
The retired 111-cap Honduran international will have the responsibility of creating projects and long-term plans to improve sport in the country should Calix be successful.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make on his future but Izaguirre is looking forward to the prospect of helping his nation – even if his family and friends weren’t on board.
He told Diario Diez: “It’s very difficult. I’ve never liked politics, I’ve never voted. In November, Jorge Calix came to me and asked me to be part of his campaign, to help him. I thought about it.
“It was a very difficult decision. My family and those close to me didn’t agree.
“I made a proposal that, if he (Calix) won, I would be the sports commissioner and thus help all sports in the country. That is what I am looking for, to be able to help sports.
“That is why I have studied and that is where I can help.”
Izaguirre has no plans to leave the world of football should the campaign be successful.
He continued: “I never plan to leave Motagua, where I have been blessed to help from the reserves to the first team.
“Football is everything to me and it’s what I am passionate about.
“Motagua is a beautiful club and that is what has made it difficult for me, but I had to think about the country and helping sports. I have several friends in different sports disciplines who do not have support.”
Izaguirre has even told voters he won’t accept a salary for his position in government.
He added: “I am not here in football for money, I am here to contribute; thank God he gave me many blessings
“I have investments, I have everything. I want to be clear, I am not here for money, I can show all the people who are involved in politics that the people’s money is for the people.
“I would donate everything I receive, I would not even receive travel expenses.”
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