Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has set the record straight on Rocco Vata’s Celtic exit.
The teenager completed a move to English Championship side Watford last Friday after he knocked back the offer of a new contract with the Hoops.
Rodgers has lifted the lid on the details of the proposal given to Vata.
“Rocco was offered it (new contract) and he was going to be one of the three strikers at Celtic”, he said (RecordSport).
“He decided that that wasn’t going to be for him. So he then leaves. That is absolutely fine and we wish him all the very best.”
This revelation comes amid criticism of Celtic’s academy and ability to breed youth players into the first-team.
It appears Rodgers is defending the club with these comments because Vata, much like Daniel Kelly, was going to be in his plans until deciding against staying with the Scottish champions.
Although missing the opportunity to work with and develop talents like Kelly and Vata will disappoint the manager, he won’t lose any sleep over their decisions not to renew with Celtic.
There are plenty of other youngsters coming through the ranks who Rodgers can help prosper, as we have seen in pre-season so far.
