BREAKING NEWS;Brendan Rodgers says goodbye to Celtic as he signs his resignation letter..

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah. I think anyone who was at my press conference would have sensed the way in which it was said. The reaction to that is totally without merit. It has no context whatsoever. You mention my past record in these games, I have never referred to these other than being intense and being competitive.

“We never talk about the game as that but we talk about the whole occasion. The occasion is one of the most iconic games in world football. And I love it. It’s one of the reasons I am here, the great pride and privilege I have in managing Celtic in a (the)Rangers game.

“So the whole emotion, the entire feeling around this game is absolutely amazing. I have seen some of the headlines around the disrespect and whatever else but it is totally without merit. It was never in that context being said, and I never would be that person to disrespect another manager or another team. But I suppose it’s part of the build-up for you guys.”

Brendan Rodgers: “I don’t know, I can only talk for myself. I have loved these fixtures, it was the ones I was really looking forward to since being up here the first time. The record is great but it’s always about building – building more memories and great occasions in this game. But everyone responds and reacts in different ways. I understand the feeling and tension that can be around this game but that’s not me. My job is to find the calmness for the team and the players have been very, very relaxed but focused this week. The preparation has been first class, and that allows us to go into the game ready.”