Celtic captain Neil Lennon insists his off-the-field problems will not force him to quit the club.
The 34-year-old former Northern Ireland international, whose contract is due for renewal in the summer, has pledged his future to the Glasgow giants despite allegations about his private life being published over the weekend.
Lennon said: "The past six months have been a nightmare from start to finish but it has not affected my game or the way I feel about Celtic. I continue to be desperately passionate about my team and have no intention of leaving.
"My personal life and career are totally separate and I want the club, my team-mates and supporters to know I am still 100% dedicated to my career.
"Everyone has been very supportive throughout this whole sorry affair, including the team manager, the team and supporters. The reception they gave me when I lifted the trophy was second to none and I want to thank everyone for that."
Lennon admits the lure of the Champions League could prolong his Celtic career. He told the Daily Record: "It's a great carrot for me to stay.
"I've had some great European nights with the club against the likes of Juventus, Lyon and Bayern Munich - the cream of Europe. I've been around the world and there is no better atmosphere than Parkhead on a Wednesday night to get the blood pumping.
"But we've never taken the next step in the Champions League and that's the added incentive to stay on and, maybe, take the club to that next level."
