Charlotte FC's newly introduced designated player made his debut appearance for the club against FC Cincinnati, receiving a thunderous welcome from the crowd as the 22-year-old winger stepped on the pitch at Bank of America Stadium for the first time.
Abada formally presented himself during his introductory press conference, expressing his gratitude to the people of Charlotte for their overwhelming support.
"I want to first say thank you to the people of Charlotte for the support I got," said Abada. "I've gotten so much support and respect from them. I need to return the favor on the pitch."
Hailing from the prestigious Scottish club Celtic, Abada boasts an impressive record of 29 goals and 22 assists, contributing significantly to winning two Scottish Championships, two Scottish League Cups, and one Scottish Cup during his time in Glasgow.
Now, he aims to instill the same championship mindset in his new team.
"Celtic is a big club with a lot of pressure. I had an amazing time at Celtic. A lot of trophies, big games, atmospheres, and I just want to bring the same mentality to Charlotte."
Being one of Europe's most promising talents, Abada garnered interest from several teams, ultimately choosing Charlotte, a decision he believes aligns well with his playing style.
"Charlotte is a really good team. We saw that in the game against Cincinnati. We got a lot of chances to score. We played from the wing in the attacking transition, and that’s really good for my style."
Head Coach Dean Smith has fostered a team culture and playing style that aligns with what Abada was seeking in his next club.
"Dean is a Premier League coach... so I think it will be really good for me. I can learn a lot from him."
In addition to the appealing style of play, Abada admires Charlotte as a city, praising its beauty and charm. However, it's the warmth and kindness of its people that truly captured his heart, ultimately influencing his decision to join the club.
“The people are really nice. The stadium and atmosphere are also really nice, so I’m very happy to be here.”
Abada is hungry to show what he’s got and is excited for the opportunity to pay back fans with his performances. He shared the ambitious goals of his coach and teammates, and he’s laser-focused on achieving them.
“I have a lot of targets here for this season but when the team succeeds, when the teams look good, you can look good. So, I just want to play my game, help the team, and I think everything will come, I’m sure about that.”
“Hopefully I can win trophies with the Club.”
