Rogic speaks out after Mariners ‘return’
The midfielder was in demand during the January transfer window as Celtic made it known that they were willing to let him go out on loan to boost his World Cup hopes.
Rogic joined Celtic from Central Coast Mariners in January 2013 for £800,000 but despite manager Phil Ross making an enquiry there was never an option to return to his first senior club.
Discussing the reception he received during Victory’s 3-1 win at Mariners the midfielder told the Herald Sun: “It’s an interesting one about the Mariners, I just want to get it straight there was no formal offer.
“There was interest and I spoke to Phil Moss on the phone, he was very keen and I guess motivated to get me back but from the club’s point of view there was an inquiry but definitely no formal offer.
“So it was never an option for me to consider therefore it was never a decision between Melbourne Victory versus Central Coast.
“It felt a bit strange going back there (Gosford). The ones that realised my situation and why I was back here (Victory), if they’d known that there was no real offer maybe it would’ve been different but it’s part of the game, I expected it, I have no issues with it. I didn’t go there scared or nervous or walk away upset.
“I’m very happy with where I am now and how the deal eventuated with Victory and things are going well.’’
Sydney FC wanted to sign Rogic on a permanent basis but the midfielder has his mind set on returning to Celtic after the World Cup.
“There was interest from Sydney but again that never progressed to being a realistic option,” he added. “At this point in time I wasn’t interested in coming back full-time.
“Victory ticked all the boxes and all the parties concerned, me, Victory and Celtic, were happy.
“Arnie (Graham Arnold, his old boss at Mariners, now coaching Vegalta Sendai in Japan) tried hard to get me there and It definitely interested me but in the end it wasn’t feasible for Sendai which was completely understandable and I don’t have any issues with.”