The departure of Liel Abada from Celtic marks the end of a chapter in the winger’s career. Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers recently expressed his sentiments about the situation, encapsulating the highs and lows of Abada’s tenure at the club.
“Firstly, it’s desperately sad, the whole situation. A fantastic young player came in here as a 19-year-old young man and into another country and came and lit up the field with so many fantastic goals and had a really successful period,” Rodgers told Celtic TV. He highlighted the player’s commitment, “Whatever doubts he had in the summer, he was really happy to commit, sign a new deal, and then now through probably no fault of his own or the club’s, he then has had to leave to take his career elsewhere.”
Abada’s last game in a Celtic jersey was a substitute appearance against Hibs, but it was evident that his head wasn’t right. That moment underscored a challenging period for the winger, who, despite his undeniable talent, found it increasingly difficult to perform amidst external pressures.
His departure was not just a transfer; it was an emotional farewell to a club and its fans who had warmly embraced him. Many believe the pressure from back home in Israel played a significant role, as Abada was playing for a team whose fans are known for their visible and vocal support of the Palestinians.
The complexity of this situation highlights the intersection of politics, identity, and sports, where an athlete’s career can be influenced by factors far beyond their control or performance on the field.
Abada’s farewell message, mature beyond his 22 years, reflected his gratitude and the deep connections formed during his time at Celtic. We wish him all the best in the USA.
