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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton to leave Celtic as Hoops confirm exits

Two of Celtic's long-term servants, Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, are to leave Parkhead at the end of the season.

Australia midfielder Rogic signed from Central Coast Mariners in January 2013 as a 20-year-old and won six cinch Premiership medals, five Scottish cups and five League Cups.

Israeli international Bitton joined in the summer of 2013 from FC Ashdod and claimed eight league medals, four Scottish Cups and six League Cups.

Both players will bow out after Saturday's title-winning party against Motherwell at Celtic Park.

Manager Ange Postecoglou, whose side clinched the league on Wednesday night in his first season in charge with a 1-1 draw at Dundee United, told the club's official website: "While we are very sad to see both Tom and Nir leave the club, we totally respect their decisions in wanting to seek a different challenge in football, having both played their part in our success for the past decade.

"They have certainly made such a tremendous contribution to Celtic over such a long and successful period for the club and I understand that in their minds the time is right to move on.

"I am sure they will leave with the sincere best wishes of our supporters having given so much of themselves to Celtic.

"From a personal perspective, as well as being very talented players, both Tom and Nir are top guys who have supported me brilliantly this year, in my first season - and again played a big role in this season's success. It is fitting that they leave Celtic as champions.

"Of course we will miss them, but we wish both Tom and Nir, and their families, great success in everything they do."

Rogic said: "I want to sincerely thank everyone at the club and all our supporters for everything that has been given to me while I have been at Celtic. It has been a phenomenal journey, with some magical moments - it has been an honour to be a part of this experience.

"It has been a privilege to play for the Celtic supporters, the best in football I have ever experienced and the great times I have been part of will stay with me forever.

"While I am so sad to leave, I feel so proud to be part of a team that has delivered the title again for our fans.

"The club is in a great position and I know the manager will take the club on and deliver more and more success.

"Celtic will always be in my heart and part of my life and I wish the club and our fans nothing but success for the future."

Bitton said: "When I came to Celtic I never thought I would be part of such exciting times and it truly has been amazing to be part of such a great club.

"I have worked with some great managers and team-mates and I thank them all for those times and all we achieved together.

"We have dominated the game here for so long and now this year as champions we have done it again, something us as players and supporters we should all be really proud of.

"After a season of real hard work, when many never gave us a chance, we are champions again - the whole squad, manager and our staff were determined to deliver this to our fans.

"I want to thank everyone at the club and our fans for the support I have received during my time at Celtic and I wish the club absolute success for the future."

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