Mo Johnston: Silverware, but not silver hair (MatthewStockman/Allsport)

The 37-year-old Old Firm icon brought the curtain down on five years playing in the States, and on an unforgettable career, the way he started it 20 years ago - with an almighty party.

'I've been up all night - we used to let rip in Glasgow, but the Americans sure know how to party as well,' the former Partick Thistle, Watford, Celtic, Nantes, Rangers and Everton striker admitted.

Immediately after winning U.S. soccer's equivalent of the Super-bowl in Washington, Johnston told tearful Kansas team-mates and his coach of his decision to hang up his boots and concentrate on nurturing young talent.

One of the Kansas youngsters signed for Lazio ten days ago, and Johnston is to build on his links with Rome and home - he will be back next month seeking tie-ups with British clubs - to develop a new football career.

'I had decided to stop playing pro about six months ago, but didn't even tell my Dad and only told the lads in the dressing-room after Sunday's decider,' he said. 'It's worked out perfectly in the end.

'My whole career was always about winning titles and cups, and I've gone out on the high I wanted. They tried to get me to sign for another year, but I was really just waiting for the final whistle.

'It may sink in later in the week, but there is no chance I will do a Richard Gough and come back. I have had a fairytale ending and now I want to nail down deals with more clubs.

'I have been taking injections to play for the last five months after a knee injury, and I knew I couldn't go on forever. But I didn't expect two team-mates also to retire with me.

'No matter, I will always have a lot of pride in what I have achieved in football - but never any regrets. Some will say I shouldn't have gone to Rangers, but not me.

'I achieved loads at Ibrox and had a wonderful time at a great club winning titles and cups.

'That's what I always wanted, and everything else is water under the bridge now.'

Johnston has never really spoken about his momentous decision to turn his back on re-signing for Celtic and join Graeme Souness at Rangers instead - crushing Celtic in the process.