Rocco Vata, once a promising talent for Celtic, has inked a four-year deal with Watford, marking the end of his tenure with the Scottish champions. The move has garnered attention, not just for the player’s decision to leave, but also for Celtic’s unusual show of support despite his departure.

While Celtic often extends well-wishes to departing players, it’s rare for the club to publicly support those who turn down contract offers. Yet, on Friday afternoon, Celtic took to social media to quote tweet Watford’s announcement of Vata’s signing, wishing him all the best for his future endeavours. They wrote: ‘🍀 Good luck and best wishes, Rocco!’. This gesture was especially notable given Vata’s decision to reject a new deal with Celtic earlier this summer.

Rocco Vata, a lifelong Celtic fan, had his sights set on breaking into the first team. However, over the past 18 months, frustration has grown. Under former manager Ange Postecoglou, Vata seemed on the verge of achieving his goal. However, Brendan Rodgers’ arrival saw a shift in Vata’s trajectory, making him feel pushed further away from first-team opportunities. This shift was pivotal in Vata’s decision to leave once his contract expired.

Vata’s departure highlights a broader issue facing young talents at Celtic. There’s a debate about whether young players are impatient for first-team opportunities or if the club struggles to provide a clear, consistent pathway for their development. Vata’s case illustrates the difficulty in balancing these aspects, especially for players with deep personal connections to the club.

Considering Vata’s background—his father, Rudi, also played for Celtic—and his potential future in football, Celtic’s public well-wishes were a classy touch. Despite the frustrations and ultimate departure, the club’s gesture suggests respect for Vata’s potential and his efforts during his time at Celtic.