Mikael Lustig reveals furious reaction to Brendan Rodgers leaving Celtic and Hoops boss ‘knows’ what he thinks

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Brendan Rodgers’ reputation with Celtic fans has been a rollercoaster.

When the Northern Irishman came to Glasgow in the summer of 2016, he was exactly what the club needed – and his first season will go down as one of the best domestic campaigns in the club’s history.

This forged him an instant close relationship with the fans, whose trust was only strengthened by the club’s first ever back-to-back treble win the following year.

This trust was however shattered when Rodgers made a shock move to Leicester City midway through the 2018-19 season. For many, the relationship was barely repaired when Rodgers decided to come back to Celtic four years later.

However, a return to domestic success (and his departure being justified by the club’s lack of ambition) means that many have come full circle on Rodgers.

One of the key players from his first spell still has mixed feelings.

Mikael Lustig sets record straight on Brendan Rodgers Celtic departure

There was very little inclination that Rodgers would leave prior to the bombshell revelation that he had travelled to Leicester on February 26th, less than 48 hours after the team had beaten Motherwell at Celtic Park.

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Mikael Lustig has reflected on this ordeal with the Celtic Way, revealing his furious reaction and communication with Rodgers after his departure – but also his respect for his managerial ability.

“He is probably the best coach I’ve ever worked under. Just a top, top professional. I was really happy to play under him. Tactically, he is the best, a true perfectionist.

“I only regret that he left the way he did. When you say you are a fan of Celtic, you do not quit the club in February. I do not approve of his choice, and he knows it.

“I’m an emotional man. When he left in February, I was angry. I wasn’t ready for it. I always want what’s best for Celtic. When Brendan came back, I was the first to say yes. He’s a brilliant manager, and I hope he brings even more success.”

Lustig certainly wasn’t the only man making his emotions clear in Glasgow that week.

Brendan Rodgers’ first Celtic departure six years on

A huge amount has happened in the time since Rodgers’ shock move to Leicester – not least his successful second spell with the Hoops, which no one saw coming.

His spell in Leicester brought an FA Cup win, two top-five finishes in the Premier League and a European semi-final. This doesn’t justify his departure alone however.

It is also well-known that Rodgers hasn’t always been given what he wanted in the club’s transfer business – not to mention the ‘cowardly action’ incident of a month ago.

Regardless of what has happened since, many fans will never fully forgive Rodgers for his decision – regardless of what he achieves in his second spell.