Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton to leave Celtic at end of season

Celtic have announced that experienced players Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton are to leave the club at the end of the season.

Both players have said that they want to try new challenges after helping Celtic to win the Premiership title under Ange Postecoglou.

The pair will say their farewell to Celtic fans as the club collect the Premiership trophy after Saturday’s home game against Motherwell.

Australia international Rogic joined the Parkhead club in January 2013 and the attacking midfielder played a key role in the club’s successes in the years since.

In over 250 games for the club, the former Central Coast Mariners player scored 46 goals and won the league six times, the Scottish Cup on five occasions and collected five League Cup winners’ medals.

Bitton made the move to Scotland from Ashdod nine years ago and the versatile player has eight league winners medals, four Scottish Cups and six League Cups.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou told the club 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.

“From a personal perspective, as well as being very talented players, both Tom and Nir are top guys who have supported me brilliantly this year, in my first season – and again played a big role in this season’s success.

“It is fitting that they leave Celtic as champions.

“Of course we will miss them, but we wish both Tom and Nir, and their families, great success in everything they do.”

Rogic thanked the club and supporters and said: “It has been a phenomenal journey, with some magical moments – it has been an honour to be a part of this experience.

“While I am so sad to leave, I feel so proud to be part of a team that has delivered the title again for our fans. The club is in a great position and I know the manager will take the club on and deliver more and more success.”

Bitton said: “When I came to Celtic I never thought I would be part of such exciting times and it truly has been amazing to be part of such a great club.

“I have worked with some great managers and team-mates and I thank them all for those times and all we achieved together.”

“We have dominated the game here for so long and now this year as champions we have done it again, something us as players and supporters we should all be really proud of.
“After a season of real hard work, when many never gave us a chance, we are champions again – the whole squad, manager and our staff were determined to deliver this to our fans.”