TOM ROGIC departed the field with his face buried deep in his shirt in a rare show of emotion from the Australian midfielder as he played his last game for Celtic yesterday afternoon.
Both he and Nir Bitton, signed six months apart, will leave the club now with both players given an appreciative send off from the Celtic support as Ange Postecoglou’s side celebrated the Cinch Premiership title. Yesterday’s gong was his 16th major honour for the Parkhead side.
“I couldn't contain my emotion, it was hard,” he said. “It's a special club, it's been an enormous part of my life. I came here when I was 20, now 29 I've experienced so many memories in that time. Hopefully this is the start under the new manager.
"It wasn't a decision I took lightly, but I feel the timing is right. [This title win] is right up there. Off the back of last season, it's enormous. It's a special season to go out on."
And Bitton, who claimed his 18th major honour yesterday, was equally humbled by the reaction of the Celtic support.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “When I signed for this club I obviously knew the expectations were high. It’s about winning trophies, it’s about taking this club to the Champions League.I’m just happy to finish with this one.
“I’ve won a lot of trophies here, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, injuries. But this club is just about winning and after last season, the players who have been here knew how much it meant for the fans and everyone involved to bring this title home. I’m just happy we did for them.
“There are so many memories. My debut, I will never forget. The winning of the Treble, an amazing moment. And especially this one, to finish this journey on a high, the way I wanted to finish it.
“I’m speechless.”
