Luis Palma Celtic transfer helps squash Honduras beef as he insists never 'walking away' amid Gold Cup 'controversy'

Luis Palma insists his Honduran national team beef is done and dusted - as he insists he'd NEVER walk away when his nation calls.

The attacker has signed a long-term deal with Celtic after a strong year at Greek side Aris, his first club in Europe after leaving boyhood side Vida. Despite emerging as a talented prospect in Europe, he didn't feature for his nation in the Gold Cup as the side failed to get out Group B that had Mexico, Qatar and Haiti involved.

DiarioMas state Palma wasn't involved "due to a controversy with coach Diego Vázquez." A combination of management change and his transfer to the Premiership champions has reintroduced him back into the fold under Colombian Reinaldo Rueda. They face Jamaica and Grenada in CONCACAF Nations League matches this month with Brendan Rodgers' signing looking to build on his six caps to date, the last of which were earned in September 2022.

He said: “Very different and a pleasant topic, really. It is a very experienced coaching staff and we are going to work and learn many of them.

"I never walked away from the national team, I am the person who will never say no to the national team. Previously, it was due to technical decisions, I have to respect, now I am in a new process.

"I am a player who works for me, for my family, for the Honduran people and for the Honduran National Team. A lot is expected of me and I hope to God that it turns out well for all of us.”

Palma has also been left grateful for his Celtic move. He added: "Cheerful. Thank God I was now given the opportunity to be at Celtic."