Former Celtic star Liel Abada admits he's thrilled his American move has worked out after a 'tough year'.

The Israeli international joined Charlotte FC in March in a deal that could eventually be worth £10 million for the Scottish champions.

Abada, 22, has gone on to score four goals in 12 starts for the MLS club after an unhappy ending to his time in Glasgow amid reports he was uncomfortable with Celtic fans' support of Palestine following the Middle East crisis.

And he insists he couldn't be happier in the USA.

He said: "I had like a tough year last season, but I’m starting to feel really good.

"I’m really happy to be here.

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"I’ve had so much support from the staff, from the coaches, from players, from the fans, and you know, I feel like it’s home here so it's a really good place for me.

"The MLS is a really good league with really good players.

"In Israel we have so many good talents, young players, and I think it would be good for them, but you know, I cannot control who comes here or not.”

And Abada can't wait to play for his country in the Olympic football tournament in Paris soon.

He said: “It’s really big I think for me. It's a dream. When you start playing football, you dream to play in the national team.

“I’m really looking forward to play in the Olympics. For the country as well. It's something big, something historic for Israel, especially at this time and we are really waiting for this Olympics.”