INCOMING Celtic signing Ismaila Soro was so determined to help his club progress in Europe he played on just a day after the passing of his father, his former manager revealed.
The 21-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder looks set to seal a £2 million move to Celtic this week from Bnei Yehuda after impressing watching Hoops scouts in Israel.
And his former manager of Bnei Yehuda, Yossi Abukasis, revealed a remarkable incident which underlined Soro’s dedication to the club.
Bnei Yehuda were playing a Europa League qualifier this season in Azerbaijan against Neftci in Baku when he received the news his father in Ivory Coast had died.
Abukasis recalled: “This is an example of Ismaila’s great desire to progress and make it as a top footballer.
READ MORE: Watch: Best of Ismaila Soro as Celtic 'agree' deal to sign Ivorian midfielder
“His father was sick back home and a day before the game in Baku he received the worst possible news a 21-year-old could get, that his father had passed away.
“He told the management quietly what happened and gave us an express demand – we were not to tell any of the players about his tragedy until after the game.
“Ismaila believed the news might disrupt the build-up of the team for the match and affect our chances of qualifying.
“He played in a 2-2 draw which meant we qualified for the next round.
“He provided an assist and was brilliant.”
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