Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Long-serving pair to leave Celtic after nine trophy-laden years
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 today’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.”
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.”
Bitton said: “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.”