TOM ROGIC is one of four Celtic Stars at the World Cup. I read somewhere yesterday that Celtic have more players at the World Cup than the majority of the clubs in England’s Premier League – the richest league in the World. So we must be doing something right as a club, no?
The Australian, who scored the winner in Scottish Cup final in May 2016, is staying at Celtic Park for the next four years while Stuart Armstrong – who got the equaliser against Aberdeen that unforgettable afternoon at Hampden – is heading to Southampton on a four year deal.
Most, if not all Celtic fans would have chosen Rogic to stay had they had to pick one from two of our Invincible midfielders to stay at the club. Yesterday the Australian star spoke about the reasons for his decision to commit his future to Celtic. Here’s what he had to say…
“It’s a goldfish bowl existence in some ways, but the trade off is playing Champions League football and winning multiple trophies with the Scottish champions.
“It’s a footballing city, it means everything to the people there and you certainly feel that there is that intense scrutiny and focus on the players.
“I’m a rather private person who enjoys a bit of quiet. There are days I wish I could do things a little differently, but, from a football aspect, I’m very happy with where I’m at.
“I’ve been there long enough to know what that’s like and what it’s about. I’m very comfortable in my surroundings.
“I’m pretty laid back and easy going and we have a pretty hectic schedule which doesn’t allow for much time to get away from football.
“Everything becomes relative, it becomes your new surroundings and your new normal. I prefer to look forward rather than relive the past. I’m in a good moment now in terms of my football.
“I’m working under a manager who I feel is challenging me every day.
“I certainly feel like i’m learning. I’m happy, I’m settled, I think I’ve played my best football in the past two seasons at the club and under the manager there.
“So it’s been a stable place for me to play, develop, win trophies, enjoy success and be tested in a lot of big games.
“I’ve played in front of a number of big crowds, none better than at home with my club, but as a player you need to remain pretty calm and focused, rather than getting caught up in surroundings.”
Stuart Armstrong may be gone and he’ll be taking his song with him. Now it’s up to us to come up with a decent song for Tom Rogic….he certainly deserves it.
