Who is Rocco Vata? Many are asking about the 17-year-old Celtic wonderkid wanted by Arsenal after his Scottish Premiership debut.
Ange Postecoglou handed the teenager six minutes of action in Celtic’s 4-0 win over Hibernian on Wednesday evening, which was his first taste of Scotland’s top-flight.
So, who is Rocco Vata? Let’s take a look…
Who is Rocco Vata?
Well, Celtic describe Vata – who joined the Hoops at the age of seven – as a “pacey midfielder who mostly plays down the wing” on their official website.
The Celtic No.69 made a name for himself in the Lowland League – where Celtic’s B Team play their football – scoring eight goals in just 14 appearances at that level this season.
Vata has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-15, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level, despite being born in Glasgow.
The teenager is eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland through his grandmother on his mother’s side.
Vata is also eligible to represent Albania at senior level thanks to his father, as well as Scotland, due to the fact he was born there.
Rudi Vata
Celtic fans will know all about Vata and his father, Rudi.
The 53-year-old made 45 appearances for Celtic during his playing career, where he lined up at centre-back.
Rudi also won 59 caps for Albania.
Rudi is married to Anne Frances, who comes from Wishaw, Lanarkshire in Scotland. The pair met during his time playing at Celtic, and have two sons, Rocco and Ruan.
Rocco Vata profile
Full name: Rocco Vata
Age: 17
Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Date of birth: 18th April 2005
Place of birth: Glasgow, Scotland
Nationality: Republic of Ireland
Club: Celtic
Position: Right Winger
Salary: £280-a-week
Arsenal want Rocco Vata
It was Tutto Mercato Web in Italy who revealed that Arsenal want to pinch Vata from Celtic.
Manchester City, AC Milan, Juventus and Roma are also interested, with the teenager set to enter the final 12 months of his Celtic contract at the end of the season.
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