I understand Celtic fans’ pain – Rodgers

New Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insists he understands why Celtic fans are so angry with his exit.

The 46-year-old joined the Foxes on a three-and-a-half year deal on Tuesday after walking out of Parkhead, replacing Claude Puel.

A banner was unveiled during Celtic’s 2-1 win at Hearts in midweek calling Rodgers a fraud, saying he had swapped immortality for mediocrity with the Foxes.

“I’ve seen what’s been said but Celtic supporters will hurt. I understand how they feel,” said Rodgers, who signed a deal until 2022 on Tuesday.

“They are hurting and maybe a little worried in terms of what might happen with me leaving.

“Words, you always have to be careful with. I’ve seen the banner, the Celtic supporters are hurting. They gave me everything so I’m not going to say anything other than that.

“It was a shock and they are probably angry, but eventually reality will set in and the work we did will be appreciated.

“But what gave me the comfort to move is what we put in place there was going to stabilise the club going forward.

“I knew, coming away, the improvements made will hopefully allow that success to continue.

“It may be a little unfair on Leicester, I haven’t swapped coming into a mediocre club.

“It’s recent history has been incredible, they have that ambition to push higher than where we are.”

Rodgers takes control with Leicester 10th in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow’s trip to former club Watford.

“The expectancy is to challenge for a European place and challenge for a trophy,” he said.

“What Leicester achieved was an incredible story, it’s one of the most incredible sporting stories. That will always be difficult to repeat.”