Israeli not a big issue for us all at Parkhead
ABADA EXIT WON’T STOP RODGERS FROM SIMILAR SIGNINGS
BRENDAN RODGERS says the Liel Abada saga WON’T stop him signing Israeli players for Celtic.
The Hoops boss expressed his sadness last week when the winger was sold to MLS side Charlotte.
Abada had barely featured in Rodgers’ team since returning from injury in December. Two months previously, his country went to war with Palestine whose flags are regularly waved by supporters at Parkhead.
From then, Abada wasn’t in the right frame of mind to play for the club.
Despite Rodgers’ efforts to try and resolve the situation, the 22-year-old felt pressure from fellow Israelis, given Celtic fans’ support for Palestine.
Eventually, the manager had to admit defeat and let Abada go to America for a fee of around £6.5million.
But Rodgers is adamant the controversy won’t put him off bringing a player from Israel to Glasgow – if it’s going to improve his side.
When asked if it would stop him signing an Israeli, he said: “No, because I just want good players. It doesn’t matter where they are from. We want good players here, whatever nationality or creed. We want players who come here, fit into the culture and develop. “This is an incredible club to come to, where you learn how to be a winner and to deal with pressure and expectation.” After the departures of Abada and Alexandro Bernabei – who went on loan to Brazilian outfit SC Internacional – Rodgers admits he’s already planning for next season. Keeper Joe Hart (inset) is retiring this summer and there are question marks over the futures of several other stars.
Despite being in the midst of a tense title race with Old Firm rivals Rangers, Rodgers says he’s looking forward to rebuilding the squad with new players.
Following the resignation of former recruitment chief Mark Lawwell, the manager said: “I’m really excited about next season, having now had a look at this group.
“I’ve seen players who were out for a while and I want to develop this squad. I’m really excited about that.
“There’s a lot of work going on on that front.”