Two days after celebrating Scottish Premiership success, it's been revealed Socceroo Tom Rogic is to leave Ange Postecoglou's Celtic in a shock move.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Midfielder Rogic signed from the A-League's Central Coast Mariners in January 2013 as a 20-year-old and has won six Premiership medals, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups in his time with the Hoops.
Rogic, who has scored 44 goals in 272 Celtic appearances, will bow out after Saturday's title-winning party against Motherwell at Celtic Park, along with Israeli international midfielder Nir Bitton, who also arrived in 2013.
Hailing the pair, manager Postecoglou revealed that he had hoped they would stay beyond the end of their contracts.
"While we are very sad to see both Tom and Nir leave the club, we totally respect their decisions in wanting to seek a different challenge in football, having both played their part in our success for the past decade," Postecoglou, who also coached Rogic at Socceroos level, told the club's official website.
"They have certainly made such a tremendous contribution to Celtic over such a long and successful period for the club and I understand that in their minds the time is right to move on.
"I am sure they will leave with the sincere best wishes of our supporters having given so much of themselves to Celtic.
"From a personal perspective, as well as being very talented players, both Tom and Nir are top guys who have supported me brilliantly this year, in my first season - and again played a big role in this season's success. It is fitting that they leave Celtic as champions.
"Of course we will miss them, but we wish both Tom and Nir, and their families, great success in everything they do."
Rogic said: "I want to sincerely thank everyone at the club and all our supporters for everything that has been given to me while I have been at Celtic. It has been a phenomenal journey, with some magical moments - it has been an honour to be a part of this experience.
"It has been a privilege to play for the Celtic supporters, the best in football I have ever experienced and the great times I have been part of will stay with me forever.
"While I am so sad to leave, I feel so proud to be part of a team that has delivered the title again for our fans.
"The club is in a great position and I know the manager will take the club on and deliver more and more success.
"Celtic will always be in my heart and part of my life and I wish the club and our fans nothing but success for the future."
Australian Associated Press
