Mikael Lustig has confirmed via social media that his time with Celtic is at an end. The Swedish defender, who has been with the Scottish champions for seven and a half years, is not renewing his contract at Celtic Park and took to Instagram to thank supporters.

Lustig signed from Rosenborg in 2012 and has made 226 appearances for Celtic, playing a part in eight successive Scottish Premiership titles as well as four Scottish Cups and four League Cups.

Skipper Scott Brown said last week that he hoped to see Lustig extend his stay with the club further but that has been ruled out and the defender looks set to move to Belgian side Genk.

He said on social media that it was time for a new chapter, saying: “I had no idea how much this club and everything that comes with it would mean to me when I signed 7.5 years ago.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone I’ve had the honour to meet and work with at Celtic, all the players and staff. The memories will stay with me forever.

“Thank you to all of you that made Glasgow feel like home for me and my family for so many years. I will never forget your support. Hopefully I’ll see you all soon. I’ll definitely be back for the 10 in a row party!”

A Celtic statement on Twitter thanked Lustig for his service to the club, saying that he leaves as a Celtic legend. Meanwhile in Lustig’s absence, the Celtic squad have already returned for pre-season training with the new Premiership season starting on August 3.

Boss Neil Lennon would have been boosted by the sight of Leigh Griffiths among the players back, having not featured for the Hoops since December since being given time off to deal with personal issues.

Celtic are at 1.33 to win the Scottish Premiership for a ninth season in a row with Rangers 3.20 and Aberdeen 21.00.