Celtic invincible Tom Rogic announced his retirement from football on Tuesday morning. The former Australian internationalist hung up his boots, letting supporters know in an emotional message on Instagram.

Rogic gave thanks to all of the Celtic gaffers who helped him over the years. He said: “To the managers who supported and guided me through some tough times I’d like to say a big thank you to Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon, John Kennedy, and Ange Postecoglou.”

In Glasgow’s east end, Rogic spent just under a decade, making 272 appearances for the Hoops. In his message, the 30-year-old hailed Celtic as ‘one of the biggest clubs in the world’. He said: “I feel very lucky to have had a career where I spent the majority of my time playing at Celtic Football Club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, playing European football, winning many trophies, and playing in front of 60,000 fans each week.”

Tom Rogic
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Motherwell – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 14, 2022 Celtic’s Tom Rogic looks emotional as he iss applauded off the pitch after being substituted Action Images via Reuters/Molly Darlington

Rogic is undoubtedly a modern-day club legend. He won a colossal 17 trophies in his time at Parkhead as well as scoring in countless cup finals and Glasgow derbies.

Also in his retirement message, Rogic gave great thanks to Peter Lawell and Dermot Desmond for what they had done for him. He said: “I would also like to thank Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond. Without their help all of this would not have been possible. Through Peter and Dermot, I was put in direct contact with one of the world’s leading medical experts, which eventually led to my wife and I being placed at the clinic that would give us the best chance possible to start a family. I will be forever grateful.”

Thanks to Lawell and Desmond, Rogic and his wife were able to have a child. Without their help, that may not have been possible and now, they have twins on the way.

That played a role in the Australian’s decision to hang up his boots which at the end of the day, no one can begrudge him. It is certain everyone involved with Celtic and football will wish the invincible treble winner the best in his retirement.

Full Message: After careful consideration I have made the decision to retire from professional football.

I have always been rather private with things in my personal life but I feel given the significance, I think it is important for people to understand why and how I have made my decision.

Tom Rogic

Throughout the past 7 years, my wife and I have been on an immensely challenging journey with fertility issues. After years of trying and many failed rounds of IVF, my wife and I were fortunate enough to welcome the birth of our daughter in 2021.

I have loved every minute of being a dad and consider it my greatest achievement in life.

After experiencing some more struggles and heartache with fertility treatment, we have recently received the amazing news that our family is growing and we will be expecting twins in 2024.

Given our past and how hard we have fought for this, along with the challenges that will come with having twins and a 2 year old, now seems like the right time to give my focus and attention to what is the most important thing in my life – my family.

After being away for so many years, my family and I have now returned home to Australia as we look ahead to next year and the arrival of our new family members.

I feel very lucky to have had a career where I spent the majority of my time playing at Celtic Football Club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, playing European football, winning many trophies and playing in front of 60,000 fans each week. I have also been lucky enough to represent my country with the Socceroos on over 50 occasions and experienced playing in major international tournaments.

As a young boy growing up in Australia I couldn’t have imagined experiencing all I was able to do in football.

I’d like to thank all of my teammates for everything over the past 12 years, it’s been a special journey which I’ll look back on with fond memories.

I feel very lucky to have formed some wonderful friendships through football and experienced so many special moments together.

I would also like to thank Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond. Without their help all of this would not have been possible. Through Peter and Dermot, I was put in direct contact with one of the world’s leading medical experts, which eventually led to my wife and I being placed at the clinic that would give us the best chance possible to start a family.

I will be forever grateful.

To the managers who supported and guided me through some tough times, l’d like to say a big thank you to Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon, John Kennedy and Ange Postecoglou.

Indeed I would like to thank everyone in football who has given me such great opportunity throughout my career to be part of the game I love.

And finally, I want to thank all the fans who have given me so much support, you have been everything to me.

I’m looking forward to what comes next and can’t wait to see what the has in store for us.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.