In a a stunning statement, principal shareholder Dermot Desmond accused Rodgers of ‘false’ statements, ‘self-preservation’ tactics and ‘misleading’ behaviour that contributed to a ‘toxic atmosphere’

Although not everyone agreed to that assessment, including Rodgers, being mentioned in the same breath as MJ was a testament to A-Rod's sustained excellence. Sports analyst Max Kellerman stopped short of buying into the hype, but at the same time, gave Rodgers his flowers.