Israeli soccer player Riel Abada, who missed games with his Scottish club amid fan protests over the Gaza war, will join the Major League Soccer team in Charlotte.
The team announced on its website Thursday that it paid $8 million to acquire Avada's contract from Celtic FC in Glasgow. He becomes the second active Israeli player to join Major League Soccer. Thailand Balibo of the Philadelphia Union.
Avada, 22, has scored 20 goals and provided 22 assists in his two seasons with Celtic. The team won the Scottish League both this year and last year. Abada, a native of Petah Tikva, east of Tel Aviv, signed a four-year contract last summer.
However, this fall, the team's home stadium became a harsh environment.
Celtic fans are I have been a vocal supporter for many years. They link Palestinian rights to their own historical struggles against land dispossession, hunger, and racism. Since Oct. 7, that has been the central aesthetic of the homestand, with thousands of people waving Palestinian flags and writing “Liberate Palestine” and “Victory of the Resistance” at the first game after the Hamas attack. A huge banner was unfurled.
Mr. Abada expressed his displeasure at the display to team leaders. Although the club distanced itself from the slogan, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers recently said: Admitted He hinted that it would be difficult for Israelis to perform in such an environment and that a change in circumstances may be inevitable.
“This is a young man, 22 years old, far from home,” Rogers said. Said Before the game against Celtic last month. “People can talk about what's happening there, but then they can forget. This is the reality for him, his life. Every day, every night, the family is at war. So it's a really, really tough situation for him. On a human level, I really empathize with him.”
Avada missed the team's past five games, but gave no other reason than “personal reasons.”
“Leaving Celtic was never in my plans, but life's unpredictable developments remind us that we are not always in control” I have written Thursday on Instagram. “The past six months have been a personal challenge, but I have had the overwhelming support of the gaffer, coaches and board. Their unwavering faith during these times will not be forgotten. It will be cherished forever.”
Avada, a 5-foot-6 forward, will earn $200,000 a year for Charlotte, which is 1-0-1 this season. He is expected to eventually join the starting lineup.
“Riel is one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe and we are pleased to welcome him to Charlotte,” said Zoran Courneta, the team's general manager. Said In a news release. “He is an elite goalscorer, chance creator and proven winner who is determined to bring trophies home for the club and its supporters.”