Brendan Rodgers this afternoon reacted to the news this morning that Tom Rogic had taken the tough decision to call time his playing career in order to spend time with his family with the former Celtic legend explaining the personal details which revealed the struggles that Tom and his wife have had to endure and also the beautiful happy ending as the Rogic family is set to double in numbers next year.
There was also praise for the role that both Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell both played and in doing so should that Celtic is indeed one big family.
From a footballing perspective Brendan Rodgers reckons that the game is losing a tremendous player way too soon but obviously like everyone else the Celtic manager totally understands the reasoning behind the decision.
“It was sad I have to say when I saw the news,” Brendan said. “I haven’t spoken to Tom yet but when I saw it, 30 years of age is still so young in the modern game. But knowing Tom as well as I do, I know family meant everything to him. And when you read his script of the reasons why, then I totally understand that,” Brendan said.
“In terms of what he gave as a football player in my time here, he was absolutely amazing. You talk about big moments, big goals, that usually defines the best players and throughout his time here he produced all of that.
“His contribution in my time was second to none, a joy to work with and he’s clearly family orientated which is also nice to see. Football is our life and passion but it’s not everything, family is most important and for him as a young father to spend more time with his family, that was also a priority for him.
“It’s sad he’s bowed out at this stage of his career but I hope he finds happiness, he’s left behind many great memories as a young footballer and he’ll always be deemed here as a Celtic great.”
