Brendan Rodgers admits he ‘regrets’ hurting Celtic fans by leaving for Leicester

Brendan Rodgers has admitted he regrets hurting Celtic supporters by leaving for Leicester in 2019 but insisted he made the correct decision in stepping away.

Rodgers has returned to Parkhead despite his controversial mid-season departure four years ago, having signed a three-year contract to seal a second spell and replace Ange Postecoglou – who was snapped up by Tottenham – in the hot seat.

However, sections of the fanbase have been vocal in their distaste for the appointment and even savaged Rodgers as a ‘fraud’ shortly after his divisive exit.

Freshly installed back at the club, though, Rodgers is keen to repair the fractured relationship and hopes to do so by returning to winning ways once again.

Speaking at a press conference for the first time since his unveiling, the 50-year-old addressed his switch to Leicester and his ambitions for Celtic’s future.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted he regrets hurting Celtic fans after leaving for Leicester in 2019

Supporters labelled Rodgers a ‘fraud’ after he made the controversial move to the King Power

Rodgers won the FA Cup during his spell in the Premier League before being axed last season

‘I would understand how the supporters would feel and I also know when I was here the first time and doing really well I also had critics,’ Rodgers said. 

‘It was an emotional time, the club was going for 10 in a row.

‘I hope I can still have a fabulous relationship with the fanbase. 

‘It’s natural that when I left it was a sad moment. I certainly don’t regret it but what I do regret is the hurt it caused people and that’s the very reason I’m sat here today. 

‘As a Celtic supporter I understood what it meant. That was my regret – that I hurt people who were Celtic fans and it was a big part of coming back.

‘I never get too emotional with words and I’m hoping in my time here I can have the impact I had in my first time. 

Speaking during his second Celtic unveiling, Rodgers highlighted the importance of unity

The 50-year-old hopes to win his doubters back round by securing silverware once again

‘The expectations are greater and the pressure is greater because of what we did the first time and how I left but that’s what I wanted, it’s why I’m here. I want to take on that expectation and pressure.

‘I’m here to win and for me hopefully the people I’ve had lots of support from when I left, I really thank them for that.

‘And to the people who maybe don’t want me here hopefully I can shift their opinion and prove to them with the football we play and success we can have.’

Rodgers then doubled down on his plea for togetherness at the club.

‘It has to be unified, it has to be together,’ he added. ‘Like we were the first time, we created special memories. Let’s hope we can do that again.’