Rudi Vata on Rocco’s international dilemma

The uncertain contract status of Celtic forward Rocco Vata has attracted significant media attention in recent days. The Under-21 international for the Republic of Ireland scored his team’s first goal last weekend during a convincing Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle and earned the praise of Brendan Rodgers.

“For Rocco, he’s played before. He has potential, he needs a lot of work. He has some really good attributes, he’s strong, he’s got decent pace and he wants to score goals,” the Celtic manager said.

Celtic v Motherwell – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Celtics Rocco Vata during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday April 22, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

Though Bologna and Como have expressed interest in his services, he is free to leave the club this summer for virtually nothing. He is also well-liked in Italy.

Although Vata is open to discussing a pre-contract with any international team, Football Scotland revealed that Celtic has now made it known that they want to attempt to keep him at Parkhead for one more season.

Rocco’s father, former Celtic’s star Rudi Vata, has provided some insight into why his son plays football for the Boys in Green on the international front. Speaking on the Irish radio station Off the ball, Vata said…

“In my life experience, I’ve never told Rocco which kind of national team he should choose. I know that Ireland knocked on our door, he was a young boy, and I said that is a great opportunity. Of course, I have great memories with Ireland and his grandmother is Irish. The whole family, they are Irish-connected from my wife’s side.”

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 21: Rocco Vata of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s fifth goal during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Concerning the changing of allegiance, Vata continued…

“The question is, who is prepared to offer him the best kind of project? Who is going to convince (Rocco Vata), it’s Rocco to make that decision.”

Vata, a highly-regarded talent making his way into the game, excelled for Celtic B this season prior to seeing his first taste of senior football under Rodgers. He has made 22 appearances for the Hoops’ development side and scored 13 goals in the SPFL Trust Trophy, UEFA Youth League, and Lowland League.

READ THIS…“I think it’s right for him to be with Celtic,” Rudi Vata on Rocco

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2 Comments

  1. This gun(son) is for hire.
    Highest bidder wins.
    No harm in that but when the going gets tough he’ll get going(elsewhere).
    Brendan R knows what he’s dealing with.
    Time will tell how good he is.
    Hail Hail.

  2. This gun(son) is for hire.
    Highest bidder wins.
    No harm in that but when the going gets tough he’ll get going(elsewhere).
    Brendan R knows what he’s dealing with.
    Time will tell how good he is.

    Hail Hail.