Tomas Rogic to depart Celtic

After seven years at the club, collecting thirteen trophies on the way, it would appear that Tomas ‘Tom’ Rogic will be leaving Celtic.

The news broke today via Sami Mokbel at the Daily Mail. Great newspaper.

Within minutes, the video clips of goals against jobbers cropped up online, set to the tune of ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ and that famous Wet Wet Wet one that Triple H walks out to.

‘Not emotionally ready for this’ tweets will accompany ‘Heartbroken’ ones in the comments under it. I haven’t even looked, I’ve just assumed, and of course fans will react like Rogic’s departure is going to be as challenging as learning Mandarin.

The reality is though, we have coped just fine without him recently when he’s been here, and as long as we have a replacement in mind, we will be comfortable too.

Rogic has excelled in putting domestic opposition to the sword, whether that has been a patronising tap in off the bench to round off a comfortable win, or be the man to seal an invincible treble with seconds remaining.

Yet, despite the stunning goals and technique that would make Thanos think twice about performing a finger click anytime soon, it does feel that the right decision has been made, and he has to move on.

A key player under Ronald Deila, Rogic was utilised more shrewdly by Brendan Rodgers, and effectively too, as the priceless goals would delay the question marks over his fitness, on a weekly basis at least.

Since Neil Lennon’s re-appointment in 2019, Rogic has seen his game time gradually decreased, with the current manager keen on a high energy and aggressive pressing game domestically at least, with no room for a luxury player like the Australian in his plans.

My personal feelings on Rogic don’t matter at this point, although I would like to point out my heart sank every time he featured for us in Europe, with his performances swinging between either sub-par or woefully anonymous. The most important thing now is that Celtic line up a replacement, and Rogic himself gets plenty of fresh air and exercise, having some fun in the process.

Thanks for the memories Tomas, you made this GIF possible.