SHOOTING HOOPS

Bulls basketball legend Jordan an inspiration for Jullien

CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN has been hooked on the Chicago Bulls documentary and reckons Michael Jordan can help inspire him to become a Celtic legend.

But unlike the Netflix tale of NBA superstars taking one last shot at glory, the Parkhead favourite insists nine in a row was far from The Last Dance for Neil Lennon’s men.

Jullien was a key man as Celts ensured the Premiership trophy remained in Glasgow’s east end.

The season might have been cut short but it was still a slam dunk for Lennon (right) and Jullien says the Bulls show is inspiring him to more silverware next term.

He said: “I finished The Last Dance on Wednesday and it was amazing. One of the best ever. As a sportsman, I take a lot of inspiration from it and learn so much. You see Jordan’s talent, how he plays the games, his focus and the way he brings all his teammates with him.

“I love basketball and

I also have the Kobe

Bryant book in my house right now.

“They are the basketball

GOATS and if you can even take a little bit from their stories, it will help you. The sports are different but the mentality at Celtic has to be the same. We need to be ruthless.

“On the field, you almost have to be someone else. That’s how important the mentality is.”

Jullien could sense Celtic had the Bulls’ spirit the second he walked in the door at Parkhead. The former

France under-20 star could tell something special was brewing but he’s convinced their story won’t end the same as Jordan’s crew.

It was the basketball legend’s final campaign as his side were broken up after securing their sixth NBA title.

But there is no chance Celts will be split before their quest for 10 in a row. Jullien said: “When I arrived at Celtic, I could see straight away all the players had that winning mentality. I remember when I first signed for Celtic I was amazed at the mental strength of the players. “I spoke to Callum and guys like that and asked, ‘How can you stay at this level of success for so long?’

“To become champions is hard but to stay champions is even harder. Your opponents come stronger and stronger and you need to increase your own levels.

“What Celtic have done for the last nine years is incredible and

I can’t wait for more. I don’t think the season just finished will be our ‘Last Dance’ at Celtic.

“We are all determined to come back stronger and throw everything at winning the league again.”

Jullien admits he owes his boss as well after putting his faith in the stopper.

He said: “I need to thank the gaffer so much for the belief he showed in me. I owe so much to the gaffer for giving me this chance at Celtic last summer.

“He is one of the best coaches I have ever worked with and has been huge for me.”