Liel Abada today hit back at the press reports that he is keen to secure a Celtic exit this summer, saying he doesn’t care what the newspapers or media say about him and stressed that he is really happy at Celtic.
The Israeli international winger has enjoyed two successful seasons working under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic and in 86 appearances he has scored 27 goals for the club, including some crucial goals against theRangers and also that winning goal in the closing seconds against Dundee United in January 2022 which set up that night-time game at the start of February where theRangers were blown away by Celtic in the first 45 minutes with Reo Hatate scoring twice and Abada getting the third. Celtic went to the top of the league that night and have never been overtaken since, winning two consecutive titles as a result.
Nominated today for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year alongside his Celtic teammate Matt O’Riley, Abada took the opportunity to respond to press speculation linking him with a move from the club this summer with various Premier League clubs along with Ajax quoted in the media as being interested in the Celtic attacker.
“I don’t care about what the newspapers or media says, I just care about how to improve every day, how to get better for the team, how to give 100 per cent. I am focused on getting the three trophies and this is the most important thing now,” Liel Abada said.
“I am really happy at Celtic. Everyone looks after me and tries to help me get better. My relationships with the players and staff is very good. So I am really happy here. There is no rush. I have time. Right now we just focus to finish the season strong and this is the most important thing.
“When you play at a club like Celtic, there are a lot of great players, you have a lot of competition. But I am still young and I want to work hard every training session, every game, and help the team get our targets. It is the coach’s decision and, when the gaffer tells me I need to play, I will do the best for the team and try to get our target and this is the most important thing.”
With plenty of time remaining on his contract and with Celtic already looking at a contract extension for the player, to reward him for his contribution to the success achieved to-date, it will be interesting to see if this happens over the next season. If not Celtic would be likely to cash in on their asset rather than follow the example across the city where their biggest to ‘assets’ Morelos and Kent will walk out the door as free agents later this month.
“I don’t care about what the newspapers or the media say… I am happy at Celtic, it feels like home here.”
Liel Abada reacts to transfer speculation linking him with a move away from Celtic after being nominated for PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year.#CelticFC #cinchPrem pic.twitter.com/qbhbZEscXb
— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) May 10, 2023
🟢 Matt O'Riley
⚪️ Liel AbadaTwo more #CelticFC players have received nominations! This time for the @PFAScotland Men's Young Player of the Year award 🏆
Best of luck, Matt & Liel! 🍀 pic.twitter.com/yJQMU2Cp5P
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 10, 2023
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