END OF THE ROAD;Celtic Invincible breaks down in tears as he announces retirement

He’s already set his sights on his next career move

CELTIC Invincible Cristian Gamboa has announced his retirement after six years with Bundesliga club Bochum.

The Costa Rican was given an emotional send-off by Bochum fans, who unfurled a banner with the slogan ‘thank you brother’ emblazoned next to his picture during their 2-0 win at St.Pauli on Saturday.

“Thank you for six years full of emotion, full of people with heart, full of pride,” he posted on his Instagram.

“Thank you for letting us be a part of this family. A part of Bochum. Blue and White forever.”

He ended his post with: “PS: Please don’t forget:* 3 points, 3 beers.”

The 36-year-old is fondly remembered for his solid performances at right-back and one moment of pure brilliance in a famous 4-2 home victory over Bayern Munich in February 2022.

He took a throw-in from the right and played a one-two on the edge of the box before smashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner from the angle.

It was the unfashionable Ruhr club’s first win over the German giants for 18 years, but they have subsequently beaten them 3-2 twice with Gamboa featuring on both occasions.

Considered by many to be the best right back in Costa Rican history, he represented the Ticos in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

The speedy defender made 31 appearances in three campaigns at Parkhead after signing from West Brom, including 21 during the undefeated 2016-17 season, before making the switch to Bochum.

Gamboa has been planning for life as an ex-pro and has a qualification in football business from the Johan Cruyff Institute.

And he revealed in an interview last month that his next job could be to scout future talents.

“I’ll have to go from a football kit to a full suit,” he told La Nacion, who reported that Bochum see him as a future sporting director of the club.