West Brom snap up former Celtic star Tom Rogic on free transfer after leaving Scots in summer
WEST BROM’S new Aussie arrival Tom Rogic admits he felt the urge to go walkabout this summer after 10 trophy-laden seasons at Celtic.
The 29-year-old Australian international midfielder has joined Steve Bruce’s Baggies as a free agent after agreeing a one-year-contract, with a further year’s option in the club’s favour.
The roving midfielder with an eye for goal enjoyed the perfect farewell from Celtic, clinching his SIXTH Scottish title to clock up a staggering personal haul of 16 domestic trophies in Scotland.
But he admits the challenge of returning Albion to the Premier League appealed to his sense of adventure.
Rogic confessed: “I’d been set in one place for quite a while and I was looking for a new challenge and a change of scenery.
“I certainly have that here, so I’m really looking forward to getting started.
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“I have a lot of fond memories from my time at Celtic and I was fortunate to have the perfect send off there.
“But I was looking for a change of scenery and a fresh challenge.
“It was important for me to take my time and make sure my next club was the right club. I had some time to reflect and I now feel refreshed and re-energised and excited about the future.
“I’ve met all of my new team-mates and they seem like a great group of guys.”
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Rogic says he has been busy swotting up on his new teammates since Bruce made his move for him last week.
He said: “Things moved pretty quickly to be honest. I spoke with the manager and I spoke with my agent and here we are.
“It was a pretty broad chat with the manager. He told me lots about the club, the team and what football is like here.
“Since I heard about Albion’s interest in me I’ve tried to watch as much of them as possible and I’ve been doing my research.
“I think it’s fair to say the team hasn’t got the results the performances have warranted.
“The most exciting thing for me now though is the future and playing my part in what I hope will be a really successful team.”