Charlie Mulgrew says Brendan Rodgers ‘didn’t really like’ Celtic hero and didn’t want to re-sign him

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Celtic have loved cooking up a returning story of late.

Even going back to the summer of 2023, Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic after his infamous call to leave for Leicester City in 2019.

Since then, several title-winning players have donned the green and white colours again, both on the pitch and in a coaching capacity.

Back in the winter, Jota returned to Celtic after his trips to Saudi Arabia and France, whilst Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan and Shaun Maloney have made comebacks this summer.

But Charlie Mulgrew claims that there was one Celtic hero Rodgers wasn’t keen to bring back.

• READ MORE: ‘I remember’ – Charlie Mulgrew makes shock Virgil van Dijk revelation that will surprise Celtic fans

Brendan Rodgers didn’t want to re-sign Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi

Everyone would have seen the news by now that Kyogo Furuhashi has returned to British soil after leaving Glasgow for Rennes in January.

Kyogo had a nightmare in France and has since signed for English Championship side, Birmingham City, as Celtic themselves still haven’t brought in his replacement.

Mulgrew, whilst in discussion with Paul Slane, Si Ferry and Andy Halliday on Open Goal, talked about the Japan star, how Rodgers didn’t want him back and ‘didn’t really like him’, because of his style.

“I don’t think they wanted him back would be my guess,” said Mulgrew.

Paul Slane then interrupted: “I don’t think Rodgers really liked him,” as Mulgrew added: “I agree with you.”

Andy Halliday then added: “Mad that, though, isn’t it?!” Before, Si Ferry stated: “I thought he was top class.”

Halliday then claimed: “You are taking Kyogo back, though, if you can.”

Mulgrew then added: “See if you look at Brendan Rodgers, and the players he signed to play up front. Dembele. Idah. Big players. Edouard. Even when he first went to Leicester, Vardy was the main striker, and he was playing Iheanacho up there, wasn’t he? Different type of striker. Coming to feet and holding the ball up.

“I have never spoken to him about it. I think he prefers that type of striker. He spent £9 million on Idah.”

Kyogo’s Celtic record under Ange Postecoglou and Rodgers

Ange Postecoglou’s fast-paced style of play suited Kyogo more, and it showed in his numbers under the Treble-winning boss.

But whilst the former Vissel Kobe player still scored goals under Rodgers, including his usual against Rangers, it’s fair to say that spark was missing.

Interestingly enough, Kyogo only played one less game under Rodgers than he did under Postecoglou, and there is a difference in the goals tally.

• Kyogo’s games under Rodgers: 82
• Goals: 31
• Assists: 9