Aaron Mooy has revealed how Celtic hero Tom Rogic helped sell him on a move to the Hoops.
The midfielder arrives at Celtic Park not long after his compatriot departed after nine years in Glasgow. Mooy has penned a two-year deal which sees him reunite with Ange Postecoglou. The pair worked together when the Celtic boss was in charge of the Australian national team, where he formed a close bond with Rogic, who is still without a club after leaving the champions.
But the Wizard of Oz made sure Mooy already knew exactly what to expect before he became a Bhoy. Mooy admitted that he was always curious about life in the Scottish Premiership with one of the big two, and would quiz Rogic on what the Celtic experience was like for him.
The reports were obviously positive. Mooy signed in a double swoop along with defender Mortiz Jenz. And the attacking midfielder will go some way to filling the Rogic-shaped hole left in Postecoglou’s squad.
“I’ve known Tom a long time,” said. Mooy “We’ve spoken lots of times about Celtic. I’m always interested to know what it’s like up in Scotland. He’s obviously had an amazing period here with lots of success. I’m sure I’ll be in touch with him shortly now the news is out."
There's another familiar face on hand to help with the settling in process. Harry Kewell was appointed as first team coach this summer and like any young player from Australia, he's someone Mooy looks up to.
He added: “Harry was an amazing player in his day and I’m sure he's very excited to be here working under Ange. I just can’t wait to get started and join the group.”
Mooy has had a taste of Scottish football before, however. He joined St Mirren on an 18-month loan back in 2010. The Aussie had just left Bolton Wanderers in order to sign for Manchester City, who immediately loaned him out to the Paisley club.
Now over a decade on, he’s back in the Scottish top flight. But despite such a length of time away, Mooy explained that his family roots meant he was never out of the loop when it came to what was going on north of the border.
“I played for St Mirren when I was a youngster,” he told Celtic TV. “That was a while ago! But I’ve always been back and forth to Glasgow because my family’s here. It’s an amazing opportunity and one that I couldn’t turn down.”
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