Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic’s emotional goodbyes to Celtic teammates

As Celtic enjoyed the spoils of another cinch Premiership title in Ange Postecoglou’s inaugural season as manager, amongst the splendour and adulation there was emotional scenes as players departed. It was the end of the road at Celtic Park for two of our stalwarts over the years.

IMAGO / PA Images Nir Bitton arrives Celtic Park, Photo: Steve Welsh

Both Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic were saying au revoir after years of excellent service in a green and white jersey. The men enjoyed unparalled success for the club and have participated in the club’s most successful period certainly in modern history. Part of a side that won nine titles on the bounce, they also won a quadruple treble at Parkhead.

Now footage has appeared of the midfield pair saying their goodbyes to a dressing room full of their teammates and staff at the end of last season when Celtic clinched the league crown at Tannadice in May with a 1-1 draw – courtesy of a Giorgos Giakoumakis headed goal.

As their fellow Celtic comrades huddled around them in a circle, each man said his peace and thanked everyone for such a wonderful and successful time in their footballing careers. Bitton went first and said: “A very successful period of my life. I came here as a young boy and I end this journey with a family, two kids two and three, and honestly I couldn’t share this journey with other people.

“I really want to say thank you boys for being there. For bringing this club to where it belongs after what we’ve been through last season. And I just want to thank you for everything, and all the best next season.”

Nir Bitton of Celtic passes the ball during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 29, 2022. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Cult hero Rogic then followed – visibly emotional – by saying: “I don’t want to cry again but thanks to everyone, it’s been an amazing time here.Some of you I’ve only met this year, others have been around for nine-and-a-half years. I’m going to miss you all, I’m going to miss every day coming in.

“I’m just really happy that we finished on a high note. Players, staff, I’m going to miss you all. Love you guys.”