Coaches speak on Rogic’s withdrawal

CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou says Tom Rogic felt the time was right to move on from the Scottish powerhouse after nine years at the club.

The 29-year-old Australian international finished his glittering Celtic career at the end of last season, as Postecoglou guided the club to their 52nd league title.

Joining Sportsday, Postecoglou said Rogic was a “legend” at Celtic, and Australian sports fans haven’t grasped the magnitude of his trophy-laden stint in Scotland.

Postecoglou added that Rogic’s withdrawal for next week’s World Cup playoff against the UAE is a blow for the Socceroos.

“It was a great way for Tom Rogic to end as he’s a legend of the football club,” Postecoglou said.

“In Australia we probably haven’t realised the impact he’s had on Celtic and Scottish football. When you look at his highlights reel, it’s unbelievable.

“The amount of important goals and moments he’s had for Celtic, he goes down as a legend.

“I’ve had a great relationship with Tom over the last few years in the national team and in particular the last 12 months, he kind of felt it was the time to move on and I thought it was a great way to finish as a champion.

“I’m not sure what his next step is, I’ve kind of left him alone.

“He’s pulled out of the Socceroos [squad] which is a blow for the Socceroos, but hopefully over the next period he gets him immediate future sorted as he has a lot of good football ahead of him.”

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is in the dark over Rogic’s withdrawal.

“Everyone here is disappointed that Tommy has pulled out of the squad,” Arnold told SEN’s The Global Game.

“I don’t know what those reasons are, but they’re personal reasons and we have to support him and respect him for that decision.”

Rogic won 16 trophies at Celtic, including seven Scottish league titles.

He scored 46 goals in 273 appearances for the Hoops.

– BY LAURENCE ROSEN/ SEN