TOM ROGIC has spoken about how much Celtic means to him and has perhaps given a strong indication that his Celtic journey is far from being nearing its conclusion.
Rogic has the World Cup to look forward to this summer and as after that he would be entering the final year of his contract at Celtic. He is a player no-one wants to leave and in all honesty he is a player that should weigh up what he is afforded at Celtic – playing in a dominant side suits his style of play.
Celtic Park is the perfect place for Tom Rogic to play his football and you get the impression he knows that too.
“Celtic the club is enormous. There is obviously a large history and anytime there is a match or anytime you pull on that jersey, you have a responsibility,” the hugely popular Australian said.
“There is a certain amount of pressure that comes with representing the club, but all players want to play at the highest level and for the biggest clubs.
“That’s what comes with it, so it’s pretty cool to represent the club.
“It’s an atmosphere that is right up there with the very best in the world.
“The players that have played here and the top players who have come to Celtic Park from around the world have only spoken incredibly highly of it.
‘It’s an amazing place to play and you certainly feel the support when you are out there.
“It seems like a long time ago since I signed and it seems like I’ve been here forever, but I wouldn’t change anything.
“I’ve had ups and downs as everyone has in football, but I can look back on the last five years and be proud of my achievements and fortunate to have been at this club for that period of time.
“In recent times, last season was pretty special on the whole.
“Going unbeaten and winning the Treble and, for me, the last moment in the Scottish Cup Final was something I will never forget.
“But I don’t like to talk about it too much or focus on it because it only was one moment. We had a big squad and everyone contributed.
“For me at the moment, it’s just about improving and working hard every day.
“Not getting complacent and striving to become better.
“I think that in this environment, the squad is very much driven in that way and we’re certainly heading in the right direction.”
Rogic’s advisors are currently involved in negaotiations with Celtic about a new deal but they may be advising him to wait until he has the chance to showcase his talents on the biggest stage at the World Cup in Russia this summer.
Rogic has the World Cup at the back of his mind – as all players lucky enough to be going will have.
“Of course, there is a lot of football to be played between now and then, so it’s hard to focus too much on it,” he said.
“But, at the back of my mind, there is a World Cup there.
“I’m not one to think that because I missed the last one because of injury that it’s my time.
“While I am very much motivated and looking forward to it, I don’t have anything to prove at it.
“All the Australian boys I’m sure are wanting to be fit, ready and firing and I’m sure all will want to do well and do our country proud.”
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