Former Celtic Midfielder Tom Rogic Announces Retirement to Focus on Family
Former Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 30. Rogic made the decision to step away from the game to prioritize his family after revealing that his wife is expecting twins. The couple has faced struggles and heartache with fertility treatment over the past seven years, making this news all the more significant for them.
Rogic, an ex-Australia international, joined Celtic in 2013 from Central Coast Mariners and enjoyed a successful nine-year stint at Parkhead. During his time with the club, he made 271 appearances and played a crucial role in securing six Scottish Premiership titles, five Scottish Cups, and five League Cups.
In an emotional Instagram post, Rogic reflected on his achievements and opened up about the fertility challenges he and his wife have faced. He expressed his gratitude for the support and help they received from Celtic throughout their journey.
The decision to retire was not taken lightly by Rogic, who returned to Australia after being released by West Brom in the summer of 2022. He explained that he has always been private about his personal life but felt it was important for people to understand the reasons behind his retirement.
Over the past seven years, Rogic and his wife have experienced fertility issues, undergoing numerous failed rounds of IVF. However, their perseverance paid off when they welcomed their daughter in 2021. Becoming a father has been Rogic’s greatest achievement, and he cherished every moment of it.
Unfortunately, the couple faced further struggles and heartache with fertility treatment. However, they recently received the incredible news that they will be expecting twins in 2024. Given their past experiences and the challenges that come with having twins and a two-year-old, Rogic believes it is the right time to shift his focus and attention to his family.
Rogic expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had during his football career. He considers himself fortunate to have spent the majority of his time playing at Celtic, one of the world’s biggest clubs. Playing European football, winning numerous trophies, and performing in front of 60,000 fans each week were highlights of his career.
Representing Australia with the Socceroos on over 50 occasions and participating in major international tournaments were also significant milestones for Rogic. He formed wonderful friendships through football and shared many special moments with his teammates.
Rogic took the opportunity to thank Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond for their support. Their assistance led him to one of the world’s leading medical experts, who ultimately helped him and his wife find the best possible fertility clinic. Rogic will be forever grateful for their help.
He also expressed his appreciation to the managers who supported and guided him during tough times. Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon, John Kennedy, and Ange Postecoglou all played crucial roles in Rogic’s career, and he thanked them for their guidance.
In conclusion, Tom Rogic’s retirement from professional football marks a new chapter in his life as he focuses on his growing family. His decision to prioritize family over his career is a testament to his dedication and love for his loved ones. Rogic leaves behind a legacy at Celtic and in Australian football, with his contributions on and off the field leaving a lasting impact.