Australia’s shiest Socceroo: how Tom Rogic copes in football-mad Glasgow and stays out of spotlight

WHERE so many teammates at club and international level live their lives on Instagram, Socceroo Tom Rogic prefers to shun the limelight despite living in football-mad Glasgow.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 17: Tom Rogic of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Play-off First leg match between Celtic and Hapoel Beer-Sheva at Celtic Park on August 17, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

MAYBE it’s because Tom Rogic went from 0-60 so quickly in footballing terms that he has no great need for the attendant lifestyle.

Where so many teammates live their whole lives on Instagram, the Socceroos playmaker would seemingly rather just get on with his everyday life.

Missed by Australia’s youth system and academies, Rogic only became a professional footballer three weeks after his 20th birthday.

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Rogic celebrates after scoring Celtic’s fourth goal against Rangers. Pic: Getty

One year later he was signed by Celtic, and suddenly part of a club at the centre of literally millions of lives.

Even playing at the World Cup is purely about the football.

In some ways it’s a relief: living in Glasgow, Rogic has come to terms with what being a genuine star at Celtic entails.

Rogic doesn’t enjoy living life in the spotlight. Picture: Toby Zerna

It’s a goldfish bowl existence in some ways, but the trade off is playing Champions League football, and winning multiple trophies with the Scottish champions.

“It’s a footballing city, it means everything to the people there and you certainly feel that there is that intense scrutiny and focus on the players,” Rogic said.

“I’m a rather private person who enjoys a bit of quiet. There are days I wish I could do things a little differently but from a football aspect I’m very happy with where I’m at.

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“I’ve been there long enough to know what that’s like and what it’s about. I’m very comfortable in my surroundings — I’m pretty laid back and easy going, and we have a pretty hectic schedule which doesn’t allow for much time to get away from football.

“Everything becomes relative, it becomes your new surroundings and your new normal. I prefer to look forward rather than relive the past — I’m in a good moment now in terms of my football.”

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Tom Rogic comes under pressure from Denmark's Thomas Delaney. Pic: AAP

That is evident from his decision to sign a new, five-year deal with Celtic just weeks before the World Cup.

“Re-signing was a nice moment for me and an easy decision,” Rogic said.

“I’m working under a manager who I feel is challenging me every day.

“I certainly feel like i’m learning. I’m happy, I’m settled, I think I’ve played my best football in the past two seasons at the club and under the manager there.

“So it’s been a stable place for me to play, develop, win trophies and enjoy success — and be tested in a lot of big games.

“I’ve played in front of a number of big crowds, none better than at home with my club, but as a player you need to remain pretty calm and focused, rather than getting caught up in surroundings.”

Originally published as Australia’s shiest Socceroo: how Tom Rogic copes in football-mad Glasgow and stays out of spotlight