Tom Rogic latest as he turns down more clubs following Celtic exit; Socceroos saga cleared up

By Dave Flanigan

July 21, 2022

The Australia national team boss has joined Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou in cooling fears over former Hoops star Tom Rogic’s future.

The Socceroos manager Graham Arnold had initially raised alarm about the Rogic’s wellbeing, having not heard from the midfielder after he pulled out of a national team squad, but the coach has now alleviated any lingering fears.

As reported by Vince Rugari for The Age, Arnold said: “I get asked about whether I’ve heard from him, but understand I leave him alone as well.

“I know what Tommy’s like, I’ve known Tommy since 2010-11. I’m not pestering him and not sending him texts all the time. I sent one text quite a while ago to make sure that he was OK mentally and everything was fine. He replied, yes. And that’s it.

“I’m not his agent, I’m not his decision-maker of what career he chooses – that’s always the individual. I’m here to give advice, if advice is necessary. But at the end of the day it’s up to Tommy and his agent to find what’s best for Tommy and me as the national team coach, works with him from that.”

Rugari also reports that Rogic has recently turned down the advances of A-League clubs as he looks to find a new side this summer.

This comes after a report in June which stated he had rejected a money-spinning switch to Indonesia.

It’s stated that by The Age there are hopes he will return to the Australian national team set-up having contacted their medical staff regarding his fitness status.

Positive signs for a Celtic cult hero

Postecoglou had previously calmed concerns about Rogic’s radio silence, asserting that this was typical of the quiet midfield star. Rogic also recently took to Instagram to celebrate his fellow countryman Aaron Mooy’s move to Celtic.

Despite a host of injuries, the 29-year-old was a key player for Celtic over a trophy-laden decade, regularly scoring in critical derby matches and Hampden showpieces.

His injury-time winner to seal the invincible treble against Aberdeen in 2017 is a moment that very few former Celtic players can better, an iconic, and now-immortal one in the club’s illustrious history.

Rogic is unlikely to be short of suitors and arguably had more to give at Celtic following his best full season for the club.

Having left the pitch at Celtic Park for the final time against Motherwell in last season’s curtain call to an emotional standing ovation, there can be few who wouldn’t wish the Australian well in securing his next move ahead of the Qatar World Cup.

In other news: Ange Postecoglou speaks on Celtic moves for Aaron Mooy and Moritz Jenz