Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta has admitted the transfer of Liel Abada was only ever a possibility due to the player's difficult circumstances in Glasgow.

The MLS club had enquired over a move for Abada last year but had an approach booted out by Celtic.

However, Krneta was able to force a deal over the line with Abada keen on a switch having endured a difficult time off the pitch at Celtic in recent months.

The winger missed a handful of matches due to not being in the right frame of mind to play amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Abada faced criticism from his country over remaining at Celtic as pro-Palestine displays were unveiled.

Discussing the transfer swoop, Krneta told Walla: "I really think Celtic fans liked him.

“It is clear to everyone that the situation was difficult for him with the criticism that came his way.

“He was not ready to deal with it and things got a little out of control.

“We've known Liel for a long time.

“We approached Celtic about him already a year ago and they flatly refused.

"But in the current situation, we couldn't give up. It was a no brainer.

“To be honest, if it weren't for these circumstances, I don't think we would have been able to get him so easily.”

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Brendan Rodgers said of Abada's move Stateside: "Firstly it is desperately sad the whole situation.

“He’s a fantastic young player.

"He came in here as a 19-year-old young man into another country and lit up the field with so many fantastic goals and had a really successful period.

"Whatever doubts he had in the summer he was really happy to commit.

“He signed a new deal but now through no fault of his own or the clubs he's had to leave to take his career elsewhere.

"If you look back he has created some wonderful memories here at Celtic.

“I am sure Glasgow will have a big place in his heart and we wish him all the very best over in America."