Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic apology is NOT needed as he shuts down fan jibe over Leicester City 'mediocrity'

Brendan Rodgers swept back into Celtic Park and then insisted he has no need to apologise for leaving the club four years ago.

The 50-year-old was officially unveiled and paraded to a small gathering of fans outside the stadium after putting pen to paper on a three year contract at the start of the week. And he immediately addressed the lingering sores which remain among sections of the support over his decision to quit for Leicester City in 2019, as the club closed in on a third successive treble. But Rodgers remains adamant that here is no need for him to say sorry for swapping Parkhead for the King Power.

He said: “You make a decision in your life, we all make decisions. I’ve never regretted a decision I’ve made, what I regret is the hurt. I knew people were hurt at that time, it was a sad moment. I had family, close friends and it absolutely knocked them. What that then does to other supporters, I totally understand that. But these are the decisions you make as a professional.

“I’m pretty sure Virgil van Dijk didn’t apologise when he left, or Wanyama, or Henrik or Kieran Tierney. That doesn’t mean we love the club less, it’s a professional judgement you make.

"I can accept what has come my way with that, but what I didn’t accept was the personal stuff with the family.”

Days after leaving for Leicester Rodgers had his family home in Bearsden broken into by masked intruders - while wife Charlotte locked herself in a bathroom. He admitted yesterday that he had to take this sinister turn of events in mind as he weighed up his decision to bring his family back to Glasgow.

The Rodgers clan was by his side as wife Charlotte and several family members joined the manager at his unveiling. And he confirmed he is aware