Liel Abada is a “coup” for Charlotte FC boss Dean Smith who isn’t interested in any politics surrounding the Israeli international.
The MLS side signed the winger from Celtic in a deal that will land the Hoops up to £10million as he bids for a fresh start Stateside under the English manager. Smith is very aware with the player and his abilities as they were in the UK at the same time and is delighted to be able to bring him on board.
The ex-Aston Villa boss said: “I’m really pleased. He’s a player I know well obviously coming from the UK. I know he’s been playing in Scotland but there’s not many English people who don’t know about Celtic and Rangers. To get a player of his calibre, the consistency he’s had the last couple of seasons with Celtic is a big coup for ourselves I believe.
Abada’s departure from the Hoops was mostly due to their support of Palestine, which put him in a difficult situation as he was subjected to inquiries and even insults from his native country.
Smith stated, “I don’t get involved in politics so there’s nothing for me,” indicating that he has no interest in any of that. An international player from Israel is coming to play with us.
“However, he will be treated as such because he is a human being and a football player first and foremost. I’m incredibly excited to collaborate with him.”
Brendan Rodgers, who was denied the opportunity to collaborate with the 22-year-old, described the circumstances as “desperately sad.”
He said: “Firstly, it’s desperately sad, the whole situation. A fantastic player who comes in here as a 19-year-old to another country and he lit up the field with so many goals and had a fantastic period. Whatever doubts he had in the summer, he was really happy to commit and signed a new deal.
“Now through no fault of his own or the club’s, he has had to leave to take his career elsewhere. I spoke to Liel on Monday and had him around the house because I knew he was going to be travelling the next morning. Really, really sad because I was looking forward to working with him over a period of time to see if we could improve and develop his game.
“If you look back, he’s created some wonderful memories with Celtic and I’m sure Glasgow will have a big place in his heart. We wish him all the best.”
