TOM ROGIC has declared: “I want to be a Celt for life.”
The Australian midfielder was delighted to pen a five-year deal this week that will keep him at the Hoops until he is 30 years old.
Rogic wasn’t interested in offers elsewhere and is determined to see out the contract – and beyond.
The playmaker, who is poised to take the World Cup Finals in Russia by storm, said: “Of course, I would like that.
“Football can change for better or worse very quickly, but I just want to play here for as long as I can – and keep enjoying the success.
“We play an attractive brand of football, but, ultimately, the most important thing is success and we have managed to win a number of trophies in recent years, so, hopefully, we can add to that. I am very happy here, very settled, I am enjoying my football and I am delighted to stay.
“There’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of ups and down, but I think I can reflect on the past five years and be proud of what I have achieved. If I can keep continuing and developing there’s no reason why the next five can’t be more successful.”
Rogic arrived as a 20-year-old rookie from Central Coast Mariners in 2013, but failed to make an immediate impact before being loaned back to Australia.
He said: “That seems like a long time ago and it was a different part of my career. It was a testing time, learning a bit about myself as a player and as a person and it certainly helped shape me to get to this point today.
“Across the whole five-and-a-half years since I signed, I have learned a lot and I am happy with where we are today.
“Wanting it isn’t enough. You need to have a lot to be successful in this business. There are a lot of ups and downs in football and a lot of times that test you. This is one of the pleasant times and a moment to be proud of, but it is not something to rest on. I want to keep working hard.
“There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. We have a great team and a great squad.
“I guess I’ve been fortunate in a couple of moments where it’s fallen to me or I’ve contributed a small part. But it’s a collective group that work for these moments.”
