Tom Rogic is a bona fide Celtic legend. He spent almost a decade at the club and was part of some of the biggest moments in its history, including scoring the goal against Aberdeen that secured the historic Invincible Treble. Thus, the Australian will always remain part of the Hoops’ folklore.
Rogic made the brave and surprising decision of leaving Celtic at the end of last season though. The timing was a bit confusing to be very honest.
Rogic had stayed on through so many ups and downs. There had been a long period of time where he was on the fringes of the squad and not playing much. But under the management of Ange Postecoglou, the Australian had regained his position in the starting XI and was playing some of the best football of his career. Thus, he pretty much left at the top, at the end of a Premiership and League Cup-winning campaign.
As reported by CODE Sports (via 67 Hail Hail), Postecoglou said regarding Rogic:
"“He’s a legend at Celtic, but at the same time, he spent his whole adult life there, and I could sense that he just needed a change. Tommy’s talent is unquestionable. And also, he backs himself against anybody.”"
Postecoglou explains why Rogic decided to leave Celtic at the end of last season
Rogic did not end up finding a new club during the summer transfer window but has since then gone on to join West Bromwich Albion in the English Championship, just when rumours had started to float around about a possible retirement.
On the other hand, Celtic had a readymade replacement on their hands for Rogic in the form of Matt O’Riley. The Danish youth international has already caught the eye of some of the biggest clubs in Europe and been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
It is great to see Rogic back playing football and a bit of a relief that he did not end up retiring. We can only wish him the best of luck moving forward at West Bromwich Albion.