CELTIC fans were NOT to blame for Liel Abada’s exit, according to bosses at his new club.
The winger left Parkhead for Charlotte FC in the USA earlier this month after weeks of intense speculation about his future.
The Israeli was said to be not in the right frame of mind to play due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Abada had come in for some heavy criticism from hardliners back home for playing for a club with a large pro-Palestine support base.
But the 22 year-old thanked the Celtic fans in an emotional address once his £8m transfer to the MLS side had gone through.
And now Charlotte’s general manager Zoran Krneta has confirmed that Abada’s departure was not related to the flying of Palestine flags.
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And he admitted that his club would have had NO chance of signing the international under normal circumstances – having tried and failed to recruit Abada last year.
Krneta told Israeli media outlet Walla: “I really think Celtic fans liked him.
“It is clear to everyone that the situation was difficult for him with the criticism that came his way.
“He was not ready to deal with it and things got a little out of control.
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“We’ve known Liel for a long time.
“We approached Celtic about him already a year ago and they flatly refused.
“But in the current situation, we couldn’t give up. It was a no brainer.
“To be honest, if it weren’t for these circumstances, I don’t think we would have been able to get him so easily.”
Rodgers admitted at the time that he was saddened by the whole thing but said it was something outwith his control.
He said: “Firstly it is desperately sad the whole situation.
“He’s a fantastic young player.
“He came in here as a 19-year-old young man into another country and lit up the field with so many fantastic goals and had a really successful period.
“Whatever doubts he had in the summer he was really happy to commit.
“He signed a new deal but now through no fault of his own or the clubs he’s had to leave to take his career elsewhere.
“If you look back he has created some wonderful memories here at Celtic.
“I am sure Glasgow will have a big place in his heart and we wish him all the very best over in America.”
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