Brendan Rodgers and Celtic Board in heated disagreement over the transfer of two Bhoys Stars

Brendan Rodgers and Celtic Board in heated disagreement over the transfer of two Bhoys Stars

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers termed Liel Abada’s exit as “desperately sad” but best for both parties, after the Israel international joined Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC.

Abada’s last appearance for Celtic was a 2-1 victory over Hibernian on February 7, and Rodgers felt he was unable to focus on reaching his peak.

The 22-year-old has been under intense criticism in his native country as Celtic fans backed the Palestinian cause,

with even an international teammate publicly pushing him to leave.

The winger signed a new four-year contract in September of last year, shortly before suffering a thigh injury that sidelined him for about four months.

Rodgers lamented the loss of the opportunity to work with a guy who had 29 goals in 112 games.

“First and foremost, the entire situation is extremely sad,” the Celtic manager stated. “A wonderful young player who came here as a 19-year-old from another nation and lit up the field with so many fantastic goals during a really successful period.

“Whatever misgivings he had in the summer, he was delighted to commit and sign a new contract.

“And now, through no fault of his own or the club’s, he has left to pursue his career elsewhere.

“I chatted with Liel on Monday evening, and we showed him around the house because I knew he was going to fly the next morning.

“It’s very upsetting because I was really looking forward to working with him over time and seeing whether we could improve his game.

“But if you look back, he has created some wonderful memories here at Celtic and I’m sure Glasgow will have a big place in his heart, and we wish him all the very best over in America.”

The crisis erupted the day after the October 7 attacks in Israel, when Celtic fans’ banners reading “Free Palestine” and “Victory to the Resistance” sparked outrage in Israel, especially from former Hoops midfielder Nir Bitton.

Abada had a standing ovation when he returned against Rangers on December 30, but he never regained his spark, and he vanished down the tunnel at Easter Road while his teammates celebrated a last-gasp triumph following what proved to be a subdued final appearance for Celtic.

“It was really, really difficult for him,” Rodgers added. “He trained every day, was dedicated to his career, and is a top professional. However, the circumstance, and how it evolved, felt extremely challenging.

“And football is primarily a mental game. If you’re not completely focused or can’t put something aside, especially something as large as this, it becomes quite difficult to perform at your peak. Sadly, that was the case for him.

“We spoke most days, just checking in to see if he was okay and seeing him at training, but he ultimately wants to play football.”

“And when it got to the situation where I felt there was no chance, we both looked at it, and as a club as well, felt that the best possibility would be for him to move on.”

When questioned if Israel’s pressure was weighing hard on the player, Rodgers responded: “It’s clearly an unanticipated circumstance, and wherever it came from, there were several reasons not to be in that state of mind.

“But, listen, it’s over now. He’s gone on, had a fantastic two-and-a-half years, and done exceptionally well, so we must move on.”

Abada earlier posted a lengthy farewell message on Instagram where he thanked the Celtic fans who had stood by him.

The former Maccabi Petah Tikva player thanked Rodgers, his coaches, and the Celtic board for their “overwhelming support” and added, “Their unwavering faith during these times won’t be forgotten but cherished forever.”

He went on to say: “Reflecting on my journey here brings a smile to my face, the trophies lifted, goals celebrated, electric atmospheres and moments of pure bliss will forever be etched in my memory.”

He congratulated his teammates, family, fiancée, and Bitton, as well as the “incredible Israeli community in Glasgow”.

“And last but not least, thank you to all the Celtic fans,” he went on to say. “Recent times were incredibly difficult for myself and my family, but I want to thank all of the Celtic supporters who stood with me, supported and appreciated me as a Celtic player and I hope that I have given you few moments to remember me by.”

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