Albanian legend: My son will never play for Albania, hate me freely

Rudi Vata's son, Rocco, has decided to make his international debut with the Republic of Ireland (from which his mother is rooted).

So the son of the former Red National Captain will play for Ireland U-15, even though it may not be the final choice.

The former Albanian protector himself reveals this in a statement for “Scottish Sun”

The former Celtic player, who played 59 matches with the red fanella, won the Scotland Cup in 1995.

His son Rocco, 14, is at the Celtic Academy and will make his first appearances with Ireland U-15. Vata, 50, now a football agent and television expert, said: “When I joined Celtic, I met my teammates for the first time in Dublin.

My debut was against Sligo Rover, because we were on a pre-sezonal tour. This is part of my story, so it's special that my son is now in Ireland. No one in the Albanian Football Federation contacted me about Roco. I know Scotland has seen it too, but the Irish Football Federation was the first to contact us.

His grandmother (Vate's wife's mother) is the happiest Irish woman in Scotland! People in Albania have learned this through social networks, that Roco has chosen Ireland. I believe that many people in my homeland will insult me. But if Albania had been professional enough, showed any interest, and did their homework properly, he would have known that Rocco was playing with Celtic and would have contacted me. Unfortunately, the FSHF showed no respect, desire or professionalism and, if they don't, Roco will never play for Albania”.

Vata will also not try to influence his son's international future. Rocco will be able to change his national to any point of career, provided he hasn't played an official match at the highest level with someone. If he does, then he will remain with the national one eventually. Vata added: “I cannot dictate his decision. Everything can happen in the future, but Ireland has contacted us and shown interest and respect. Rocco's happy he's been called up for the next fight and I hope he gets along as well. /Taken by Telesport