Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has backed Tom Rogic’s reported move to a Qatari side after it emerged on Wednesday the Celtic midfielder was on the verge of a £4m Parkhead exit.[MailSport]
However, the Australia international manager twice alluded to Tom Rogic not being happy at Celtic over the past season with his lack of game time and he believes a move will put a smile back on the invincible heroes face.
“At the end of the day it’s his career and we’re here to advise him and speak to him about it,” Arnold told the Sydney Herald.
“The competitions in the Middle East are coming on very, very quickly and they’re very strong, and with a lot of good players.
“The most important thing for me is that Tommy gets the smile back on his face and the enjoyment back in his game, and that he’s also going to play football.
“At the moment at Celtic, it doesn’t look he’s going to play much and he’s had a season last year of on-and-off playing. The year before that, he had a lot of injuries.”
Asked if he thought Tom should be trying to stay in Europe if he was to move on from Celtic, Arnold cited the current economic problems facing our game and the lack of teams being able to afford the fee for his services.
“If it’s a £4 million transfer fee that Celtic are asking, in this COVID climate, [the question is] whether clubs can afford that as well as salaries that Tommy’s probably on.
“There’s a balance of things in a sportsman’s career and it’s about performance but also lifestyle for yourself, and the balance of getting those two right are crucial – and especially someone like Tommy Rogic.”
Arnold signing off with again alluding to the Celtic star not being happy.
“He’s a guy that really thinks long and hard about that stuff and a very happy Tommy Rogic off the field is a great Tommy Rogic on the field. That’s an important part for him.”
Celtic fans have been shocked since the news emerged. Tom hasn’t played a lot but he’s still viewed as a top player by many and someone who could get back into the team under the right circumstances.
Rogic played his best football under Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers, perhaps Neil Lennon doesn’t see as much value in the player.
With the club in pursuit of the Australian not named at the moment, we should find out sooner or later who it is and if Tom fancies it.
