The 22-year-old left Parkhead earlier this month as he sealed his £10m transfer to FC Charlotte in the MLS.

The winger only just signed a new four-year contract to stay put at Celtic Park until 2027 last September.

However, due to personal reasons relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving his homeland and Palestine, Abada declared himself ‘not in the right frame of mind’ to play for Celtic, so he moved on.

Pressure mounted on Abada from some in Israel given elements of the Celtic support waving Palestine flags at games.

Some Israelis claim Abada was poorly treated by a minority of Hoops fans, however, Brendan Rodgers denied the player was ever subjected to any untoward abuse.

However, as he prepared to head out to live his American Dream, Abada professed his love for Celtic.

 “The feelings are very good. I’m waiting to get there and meet everyone and start my journey,” he told Sport 1. “It was really not easy being far away, but I had time with my family and friends now to see everyone. I had an amazing time at Celtic and now my head is on a new journey.

“I hope I can represent the country with respect. I had some time now with family and friends and now I’m embarking on a new journey.”

READ MORE: Stephen Welsh on why Celtic’s players have an added incentive to win Scottish title

Meanwhile, few youngsters who come through the youth ranks at Celtic manage to make the successful transition from the age-group sides into the first team. Many will go on to enjoy long careers in the professional game at a decent level elsewhere. But the quality of player they are vying for a start with make it difficult for them to break through and establish themselves as regulars at Parkhead. In modern times, James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney are arguably the only ones who have really.

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