Ange Postecoglou rules out return to Celtic

Treble-winning Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has ruled out a return to the club in the future.

The Australian won five trophies in two seasons at Celtic Park before leaving for Tottenham in 2023.

After leading Spurs to Europa League glory in May, he was sacked just 16 days later, but made a premier league return Nottingham Forest; however he was sacked after just after 39 days in charge of the club.

The 57-year-old arrived at Celtic in 2021, joining from Yokohama F Marinos as a surprise successor to Neil Lennon, after Celtic’s prolonged pursuit of Eddie Howe failed to produce an agreement.

In his first season, he clawed back a deficit to overtake Rangers and claim the Premiership title and also won the League Cup, and in his second season he became only the fifth Celtic manager to win a treble.

After Brendan Rodgers resigned as Hoops manager in October, former manager Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney have been placed in temporary charge twice after a disastrous Wilfried Nancy spell.

Many Celtic fans would love to welcome Postecoglou back, however, the Australian put an end to speculation of a comeback on The Overlap’s Stick To Football podcast.

“I loved Celtic; it is a wonderful football club”, when questioned by Gary Neville on the possibility of a return to Glasgow.

“If I were younger, I would have stayed there longer, perhaps three or four years. I could have made progress with them in Europe.

“However, it had taken me a long time to get to this space, and the opportunity to join Tottenham was too good.

“In terms of going back, I do not go back. That has not been my career.

“Whatever the next step is, it will be something new, something I can make an impact in, and somewhere I can win things. This does not diminish the affection I have.

“It was a great experience for two years to be within a community that is so passionate; it’s crazy how passionate they are about their football club. I was fortunate that we had success. It was a positive experience.

“I loved every minute and look back on it fondly, but I will not go back.

“That is not how my career has played out.”