RUDI VATA would have loved to see son Rocco become a Celtic star like he was. But because he grew up in a dictatorship he was determined not to be one himself. 3 Son Rocco has moved to Watford Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 Rudi Vata at his book launch Credit: Kenny Ramsay The former defender became the first Albanian to play for the Hoops when he joined in 1993.
But when 19-year-old Rocco quit Celtic Park after 12 years to move to Watford last month, Vata was determined not to stand in his way. He admitted: “It was a sad day when Rocco left Celtic . It would have been much better if he had stayed, but I’m not selfish.
“He had to make a decision. He loved Celtic, and we appreciate everybody at the club’s work with him. Read More Football STori RIGHT IDAH Celtic on verge of landing Adam Idah as they lodge fresh bid for Norwich star TEMP HOME Rangers vs Motherwell betting tips for Premiership PLUS £60 in free bets “But Rocco has his own journey to make in his football career.
“I give my family and my children freedom, because that’s everything in life. I was born in a dictatorship, but I never, ever dictated to my children what to do with their lives. “Of course I advised them, I criticised them and corrected them.
“My responsibility as a father is to protect Rocco and give him the best professional advice — and his decision was to leave Celtic. Most read in Football BLUE HEAVEN Inside Rangers' Hampden makeover as preparations at national stadium revealed RIGHT IDA.