Ange Postecoglou has given a direct response when questioned about a potential return to Celtic.

His brand of football was electric, his passion unquestionable. Now, he’s addressed the prospect of heading back to Glasgow. His answer left little room for interpretation.

Postecoglou walked into Celtic Park in the summer of 2021 with eyebrows raised and patience thin. Within months, that had flipped. His side played on the front foot, attacked relentlessly and swept domestic honours aside.

Two league titles, two League Cups and a Scottish Cup followed. He signed off with a treble and a style of football that re-energised the support.

Now out of work after his sacking by Nottingham Forest, speculation quickly gathered pace. A vacancy in the summer, unfinished business in Europe, a fanbase that still sings his name. It was an easy link to make.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Postecoglou admitted his affection for the club has not dimmed.

“I love Celtic, mate. What a football club.

“If I was younger, I probably would’ve stayed there longer. I probably would’ve stayed there three, four years.

“I think I could’ve made progress with them in Europe.”

That line will linger. European progress was the one gap in his time at Celtic. He felt there was more there.

But the romantic notion ends there.

“In terms of going back, I don’t go back. I just don’t think that’s kind of been my career.

“Whatever the next step is, it’ll be something new, something I can make an impact on, somewhere I can win things.

“It was a great experience. To be within a community that’s just so passionate, it’s crazy how passionate they are about their football club.

“I was fortunate we had success, it’s a positive experience. But I loved every minute of it. I look back on it fondly.

“I won’t go back, I don’t think that’s, kind of, how my career’s played out.”

That is as clear as it gets.

There is no hint of keeping the door ajar. No vague language. He does not go back.

For Celtic, the focus remains elsewhere. The club are searching for a permanent manager ahead of the summer. The title race is live and Martin O’Neill and his staff have a job to finish before anything else.

Supporters will always wonder what a longer spell under Postecoglou might have delivered, particularly in Europe.

For now, though, it is a closed chapter. However fondly it is remembered.