Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
NOT FOR ALL THE TEA IN CHINA
St Johnstone 0 Celtic 1
BRENDAN RODGERS last night revealed he rejected a megabucks offer from China to stay at Celtic.
The Parkhead boss reiterated his commitment to the club after confirming an attempt to take him to Far East in the summer.
Rodgers says he’s had several offers during his reign in Glasgow but is intent on seeing out his contract until 2021.
After watching his side book a Betfred Cup semi-final clash against Hearts by sinking St Johnstone, Rodgers admitted the Asian link as he said: “There was an offer, yeah.
“What you know with China is that it’s an awful lot of money. But I’ve found happiness here and I spoke with the owners of the club and the board and we found an agreement and we move on.
“My concentration was with Celtic. Since I’ve been at Celtic the last couple of years, I’ve had a few offers, so that’s no different to any of the others.
“My focus is very much on Celtic, being here and trying to help us rise to the challenge of this season.
“There’s nothing more really to say on that. I’ve still got this year and another two years on my contract and, unless they get fed up with me or something else happens, I’m very privileged to be here.”
Rodgers made his revelation having seen side shrug off recent criticism to move through to the last-four courtesy of a late Leigh Griffiths winner in Perth. However, despite being pleased with the victory, the manager was annoyed by Dedryck Boyata. The Belgian defender was red carded by referee John Beaton in the closing seconds of the contest for foul and abusive language. Boyata will miss the semi-final with Hearts and his actions created more backline problems after an injury to Kristoffer Ajer forced him to limp out of the win.
Rodgers said: “It is a stupid red card. He has got enough opportunities to not get sent off.
“It was a very emotional game towards the end.
“Dedryck feels as if he should have got a free-kick and didn’t get it.
“In fairness to John, he gives him a chance not to get the red card.
“It looks like a hamstring for Kris.
“We’ll just have to see how long that is going to be and Dedryck will miss whatever it is to be. We move on.”