Adam Idah reflects on his time at Celtic, describing it as a ‘love-hate’ relationship marked by intense pressure and scrutiny, as well as moments of great joy and success. He discusses his move to Swansea City and his initial reluctance to leave Celtic.
Adam Idah has offered a candid reflection on his time at Celtic, describing a complex relationship characterized by both intense criticism and moments of unparalleled joy. The Republic of Ireland international, who recently sealed a move to Swansea City, spoke openly about the pressures of playing for the Scottish giants, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster experienced by players under the Glasgow spotlight.
"There have been so many games where I've won them games and got them qualified for things, the finals - it probably goes unnoticed," Idah stated, reflecting on his contributions to Celtic's success. His comments came after he scored a crucial late equalizer for the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier against Hungary, a goal that underscored his knack for delivering in pivotal moments.
Idah's journey with Celtic saw him secure two league titles, a League Cup, and a memorable Scottish Cup victory courtesy of his late goal during an initial loan spell. In 76 appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side, he netted 29 goals, showcasing his potential and impact on the team. However, beneath the veneer of success lay a challenging environment that tested his resilience.
"It can be tough, you get a lot of hate. You might have a bad game and it's torture. It's a difficult place up there," Idah revealed, shedding light on the darker aspects of playing for Celtic. The fervent expectations of the Celtic faithful, while a source of motivation, could also be a burden when performances dipped below par.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Idah also acknowledged the unique highs that came with representing Celtic. "But flip it the other way, you're doing well and it's the best place ever," he admitted. The electric atmosphere at Celtic Park, coupled with the club's rich history and passionate fanbase, created an environment unlike any other.
Idah emphasized that the pressures he faced at Celtic were indicative of life at any top club. "I think that's what it's going to be like at any top club. You've just got to deal with that," he said, recognizing the inevitability of criticism and high expectations in professional football.
Reflecting on his overall experience, Idah expressed pride in having played for Celtic, one of the world's most renowned football clubs. "Celtic is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's a really proud moment for me, playing for them. Having done my time there, I've had some great memories. I've got nothing bad to say about the club. It was an amazing experience for me to go and play there."
The striker also voiced a hint of frustration that his contributions off the bench sometimes went unnoticed. "To score, I think, 20 goals last season coming off the bench, it kind of goes a bit unnoticed. But that's football. It's time to move on now and get a fresh start."
His move to Swansea City was finalized before he joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad for their fixtures against Hungary and Armenia. Idah explained his initial reluctance to leave Celtic, stating, "It was crazy. I loved my time at Celtic. At first, I didn't want to leave. I wanted to fight for my spot. I wanted to do well there."
Ultimately, the opportunity at Swansea, combined with discussions with Celtic staff, convinced him that a change was the right decision. "But Swansea have a great project and I know some of the staff there. What they think I can bring to the team is something I want to go and do. I spoke with the staff at Celtic and it seemed right. I'm really looking forward to going to Swansea."
Idah's departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, one filled with both triumphs and tribulations. As he embarks on a new journey with Swansea City, he carries with him the lessons learned and memories forged during his time at Celtic Park. The move presents him with a chance to revitalize his career and showcase his talents in a different environment, away from the intense pressure cooker of Glasgow.
The image below shows Adam Idah celebrating a goal for the Republic of Ireland. It's a reminder of his ability to perform under pressure, a trait he honed during his time at Celtic.
Image source, Getty ImagesIdah came off the bench to rescue a point for Republic of Ireland against Hungary