Rodgers knew he had to win over some dissatisfied Hoops fans when he returned to Glasgow’s East End.
Brendan Rodgers admits he always imagined himself returning to Celtic because he wanted a more suitable legacy than the circumstances of his initial departure allowed him.
After leading the Hoops to domestic trebles in 2017 and 2018, the former Liverpool manager enraged some Parkhead fans when he left to join Leicester City in March 2019, just as his team was preparing for another trophy sweep.
The Irishman spent the next five years with the Tigers, helping them win the FA Cup in 2021. However, two years later, Rodgers left Leicester just weeks before the club was relegated from the Premier League.
Rodgers confirmed his return to Celtic three months later, claiming that he had turned down offers from England’s top flight and abroad in preference of returning to Glasgow’s East End.
However, the 52-year-old admits he understands why some people were concerned about his arrival.
Speaking to James McFadden for BBC Sport Scotland ahead of the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen, he said: “I knew how I felt when I left, and I never wanted that to be my legacy here at Celtic.”
“Growing up as a Celtic guy who had a wonderful first spell here, for that to be my story, I never really wanted that.
“I’d always wanted to come back but I didn’t know when it was going to be.
