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Fullname: Adam Uche Idah
aka: Adam Idah
Born: 11 February 2001
Birthplace: Cork, Ireland
Signed: 1 February 2024 (loan from Norwich to 31 May 2024); 12 August 2024 (permanent from Norwich, £8.5m + addons)
Left: 31 May 2024 (end of loan); [….]
Position: Centre-Forward
Debut: Aberdeen 1-1 Celtic, SP, 3 Feb 2024 (provided an assist after only a few mins)
Squad No.: 9
Internationals: Ireland
International Caps: [TBC at end of career]
International Goals: [TBC at end of career]
Biog
When Adam Idah arrived at the end of January 2024 transfer window, he was on a hiding to nothing. Despite Celtic being top of the league there was a lot of genuine concern over the squad & recent performances (and soon were to lose the top spot). He was perceived as a poor cost cutting example for many critics who were up in arms over the recent poor form of the first team, and his transfer was poorly received. He’d underwhelmed badly at his parent club, and as Celtic did not have a buy option at the end of his loan deal, it all seemed like a poor deal. His Norwich manager even disparagingly said it made “no sense” to keep Adam Idah at Norwich.
In any case, he was now at Celtic on loan, and he deserved some slack, but social and mainstream media could be brutally honest. He was to prove everyone wrong!
He rolled up his sleeves and got off to a decent start when he provided an assist that led to the equaliser in an otherwise drab debut match (1-1 v Aberdeen in Feb 2024) having only just come onto the park. In his starting debut he had a mixed game but stepped up to score two penalties, with the winner in injury time in a 2-1 win v Hibs (Feb 2024)
He next came off the bench to the save the side by scoring twice, with the winner at the death very late in injury time v Motherwell (Feb 2025) and had become an unlikely hero. His form was excellent, and gave Kyogo a filip to return to form.
His first appearance v Sevco (Apr 2024) was a bittersweet time, coming on as a late substitute, and scoring an excellent goal that put Celtic 3-2 up in an important league fixture, only for Celtic to concede a late goal in injury time for a 3-3 draw. You could still see the joy in his face from scoring, but it was not just that goal, as he held the ball up well and gave the opposition problems.
If there were any doubters, then his man of the match performance in the league title winning 5-0 match away at Kilmarnock (May 2024) where he scored and dogged the opposition defence, really did show his value to the side. Most often he still had to play second fiddle to Kyogo, but in fairness Kyogo came back to form aided by the return of Hatate, and that was always going to be a challenge.
As Celtic went on to win the league in what was a really tough challenge in the season, coming from behind in the league race. It was clear that Idah’s goals and on-field contribution had made a difference. If anything, his style was quite in contrast to Kyogo’s, and that helped shake things up when he came onto the pitch to help change things up when needed.
He sealed his loan deal in the most incredible of ways, with Celtic facing TheRangers in the Scottish Cup final (May 2024). In what was admittedly a mostly slow burn of a match, he was subbed on late, but at the death of the normal time in the match, he latched onto a slip up by the opposition goalkeeper to score the winning goal! Bernardo created the opportunity but Idah was positioned perfectly to pounce for the opportunity when needed which is quite a skill too. He was the hero for many and stole the headlines. The goal was on non-stop repeat on social media for months thereafter.
It had made up for everything in his career so far, as he was to put himself straight after the match:
“I’ve said it before, this has really changed my career around. I wasn’t in the best of places when I was down south and I’ve come up here and the players, the staff, the fans, they’ve all welcomed me in and they’ve given me that confidence and belief to enjoy playing football again.”
His reputed alternative from January, Sydney van Hooijdonk, was not impressing (or even scoring) at his loanee club, so it was proven that Celtic had opted for the right choice with Idah. Rodgers was vindicated in bringing Idah in, and Rogers was hardly lacking in subtlety in his comments at the end of the season on his wish to retain Idah on a permanent basis. Problem is that there was no purchase agreement in the contract, complicated by that his manager at Norwich had just got the sack, so the new manager wanted to provide Idah with a fresh start, but his heart was set on a return to Celtic.
Post-Celtic
[….]
–
Quotes
“It’s disappointing not to get a winner, but we got a point at the end of the day. We’re happy with the point. We dug deep and we still have to play them at home. I thought the boys did well from start to finish. It was crazy my first time being here and what we did without fans was fantastic. I’m looking forward to playing them at home. When this next game comes, I’m sure we’ll be ready for it.”
Celtic goalscorer Adam Idah, who was playing in his first match v Sevco (Apr 2024)
“I’m the type of guy that will take each game as it comes. I want to win games, I want to be that demanding and what happens at the end of the season, we’ll see.”
Adam Idah (Feb 2024)
“It’s such a huge club with such a big history behind it and I can’t even put into words what it’s like to be at Celtic.”
Adam Idah (Feb 2024)
“My family and my friends are all delighted that I’m here and I just can’t wait to get started. All of us back home support Celtic so it’s huge for me and I’m so excited to be here.”
Adam Idah (Feb 2024)
“I’m a fan of Adam Idah but, like many Norwich City supporters, have been frustrated by his inability to take his opportunities at the club.”
Chris Sutton (Feb 2024)
“Adam Idah is a beautiful human being. Great mentality. I always knew about his qualities, particularly his penalty taking qualities. Strong penalty taking mentality befitting of someone with human traits of the highest mental quality”
Brendan Rodgers after Idah debut goal & two goals (2-1 win v Hibs, Feb 2024)
“The Celtic fans motivate me. I’m really enjoying it playing up here and it’s probably the most confident I’ve ever been.”
Adam Idah (Apr 2024)
“Everyone is feeling confident around the games and in training and we are all looking forward to it. We are excited for it – these are the moments you play football for.”
Adam Idah (Apr 2024)
“It has been amazing. I probably didn’t expect it to be as good as what it was. I’ve said it before, this has really changed my career around. I wasn’t in the best of places when I was down south and I’ve come up here and the players, the staff, the fans, they’ve all welcomed me in and they’ve given me that confidence and belief to enjoy playing football again.”
Adam Idah after on his loan stint at Celtic (May 2024)
[…]
Playing Career
[Table to indicate clubs played for, including dates, transfers and fees where known [e.g. soccerbase table]]
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2023-24 | 15 | 4 | – | – | 19 |
| Goals | 8 | 1 | – | – | 9 |
| 2024-25 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| 2025-26 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| 2026-27 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| Total | |||||
| Goals |
Honours with Celtic
(Honours are marked below in which the player has played in at least one of the matches in the campaign.)
Scottish League
- 2023-24, […]
Scottish Cup
- 2023-24, […]
Scottish League Cup
- […]
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Notes
Articles
Adam Idah: Celtic sign Norwich City forward on loan for rest of season
Last updated on1 February 20241 February 2024.
From the sectionCeltic
Adam Idah is under contract at Carrow Road until 2028
Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah has joined Celtic on loan from Norwich City for the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old, who has 22 caps, has made 34 appearances for the Championship club this season, scoring seven goals.
But only 14 of those have been starts for David Wagner’s side.
“It’s such a huge club with such a big history behind it and I can’t even put into words what it’s like to be at Celtic,” said Idah.
Talking to the club website, he added: “My family and my friends are all delighted that I’m here and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Born in Cork, Idah joined Norwich from schoolboy football in his homeland in 2017. He has 20 career goals in 137 games, including three for his country.
Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic have already signed German winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna for an undisclosed fee in the winter transfer window and visit Aberdeen on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s Republic of Ireland winger Mikey Johnston has joined West Bromwich Albion on loan.
Johnston, 24, made nine appearances in the Premiership this season, scoring twice.
Scotland midfielder David Turnbull was sold to Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee as he entered the final months of his contract.
Adam Idah – The Celtic support must give the Bhoy a chance
https://thecelticstar.com/adam-idah-the-celtic-support-must-give-the-bhoy-a-chance/
By justanordinarybhoy 31 January, 2024 4 Comments
[Adam Idah – The Celtic support must give the Bhoy a chance]
Adam Idah of Norwich City celebrates scoring the teams second goal with David Wagner, Manager of Norwich City, during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Norwich City at Ashton Gate on December 03, 2023 (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Idah signing reeks of desperation, but we’ve got to give the boy a chance…
Ireland’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring the opening goal from a penalty during the UEFA Euro 2024 group B qualification football match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on September 10, 2023. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)
Celtic look to be closing in on the loan signing of Norwich City and Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah. With just two days of the transfer window left open, many Celtic Supporters reckon that it reeks of sheer desperation from the club. We’ve had a full month to add to our squad and the fact we’ve signed a guy whose career stats aren’t exactly inspiring tells its own story.
The support believes that recruitment team is guilty of incompetence, there can be no other word for it. However, and this is important to note, that is not the fault of Adam Idah. The youngster has unsurprisingly jumped at the chance to up sticks to Glasgow, in what he will view as a dream move, when it looked like he was going to Italy on loan at Serie A side Hellas Verona.
Sydney van Hooijdonk, who Celtic passed over, is undergoing a medical at Norwich today and assuming that’s fine then his loan move will be signed and that will in turn give the green light to Celtic to sign the 22 year-old Irish international striker, who has scored seven goals this season without getting many starts.
Adam Idah of Norwich City celebrates after scoring during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Norwich City at Ashton Gate on December 03, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
As you most probably already know, the news that broke last night of his imminent arrival hasn’t gone down well with the Celtic supporters, but that is rather unfair on the 22 year old as he seems to have been judged before he’s even had any minutes on the field wearing the Hoops. That is unfair, and puts unnecessary pressure on the player before he’s even put pen to paper on any deal.
If Adam does sign, and it’s looking increasingly likely, then we must give him our full backing. He deserves the chance to prove himself. Who knows he might hit the ground running and turn out to be a great signing. Or of course he could prove to be another underwhelming one. No one knows, but what is certain is that we have to give him a fair chance to become a decent Celtic striker.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Adam Idah delighted to work under Brendan Rodgers
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/february/02/adam-idah-delighted-to-work-under-brendan-rodgers/
By Joe Sullivan
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02 Feb 2024, 2:11 pm
Celtic new Bhoy, Adam Idah arrived at the club last night and today (Friday), he spoke to the media at Lennoxtown ahead of travelling north with his new team-mates for tomorrow’s league meeting with Aberdeen.
The Irish internationalist has arrived on loan from Norwich City until the end of the season and he is keen to make his mark at the club, on the training field and on the pitch in competitive action.
When asked how he felt about his first day at Lennoxtown, he said: “I’m delighted. The past couple of days have been stressful, but today is the first day when it’s been a bit quiet, so I’m so happy to be here.
“I found out there was interest on Monday morning and from then it kicked on. But I was here, there and everywhere, so I’m chilling now and travelling later on, and looking forward to it.
‘It was a no brainer, I’ve always said I wanted to play for Celtic.’
“It’s such a big club and the gaffer here, the history he’s got is amazing, and him developing all these young players, I think it will suit me to a T, so I’m very excited.”
The loan period is until the end of the season but the forward isn’t looking that far ahead as he starts his Celtic career.
Idah said: “I’m the type of guy that will take each game as it comes. I want to win games, I want to be that demanding and what happens at the end of the season, we’ll see.”
Celtic’s talisman up front, is, of course, Kyogo, and the new Bhoy could face a stiff contest in finding a place in the front line alongside the Japanese scorer.
He added: “It looks like there is going to be competition in the squad, but whether I’m starting on the bench or playing with him, it’s going to be great for me.
“I’m still 22 years of age and of course I want to play as many games as I can, but we all know you can’t play each and every game.
‘So it’s going to be really exciting for me to play with him and all the other players.’
There could be a chance of that this weekend as Idah is part of the travelling squad making their way to Aberdeenshire later today.
He said: “I’ve trained the last couple of days now and I’m just looking forward to getting out there. Whether I play or not, it’s really good for me to be with the squad.”
[….]
“It motivates me more to try and do better,” Adam Idah on incredible Celtic support
By Editor – 13th Apr 2024, 12:20pm
Adam Idah looked back on that ‘crazy’ goal he scored at Ibrox last weekend which looked to have won the Glasgow Derby for Celtic. The Ireland international looked like being the Celtic hero who delivered another Beautiful Sunday but frustrating we let it slip in the closing stages to share the points.
Play the final whistle
“Obviously the aim coming on was to try and get a goal, and of course win the game. But I think I’m experienced enough now to know you need to play the final whistle, so we couldn’t get too carried away with ourselves and unfortunately enough we didn’t get the three points. A point at the end of the day we’ll take it,” Idah said.
Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s second goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at Celtic Park Stadium on February 28, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“Look it helps any player when they score a goal, especially with confidence and wanting to score more goals. I think personally for me, I’m really enjoying playing up here and it’s probably the most confident I’ve ever been.”
Impressed by the quality
Adam Idah has been impressed by the quality all around him at Celtic and there seems little doubt that he’d like to extend his stay in Glasgow beyond the summer when his loan spell from Norwich City ends.
“I think people can probably tell that when I’m on the pitch and around the place that it’s probably the best I’ve played and you can tell by the goals, so, in terms of performances wise, it really does help me,” Idah said.
It was an amazing feeling
On Sunday’s goal being the most important of his career Idah said: “Possibly, who knows? Obviously it was an amazing feeling. To get a goal in that derby is crazy when you’re a player that wants to play for Celtic. It’s probably the game that you want to score in, it’s massive. So, who know, at the end of the season we’ll see.”
Celtic Shorts speaking to Adam Idah
The Irish striker is clearly loving playing his football at Celtic. “I’ve got a lot more minutes playing. The manager has a lot of trust in me, the lads have got used to me and know my style of football.
Having the fans at your back is huge
“I think when people have that trust in you and you can get minutes, and once that first goal comes, you do become confident in yourself, and I think it helps so much. Even little things like the fans, having the fans at your back is huge, especially for me that helped me a lot, and it motivates me more to try and do better.
“I’ve said it previously, we’ve got a great squad here, so regardless of if I start or I’m on the bench, even if I don’t come on, I’ll try and help the team as much as I can.
Important goals
“Scoring some goals, and important goals has been really good. For me, especially at this period of the season, I don’t think it matters who plays or who does what, getting together as a team and contributing to goals is the main thing.”
Watch Adam Idah’s media conference below with Celtic Shorts involved and asking the Irishman about the send-off from Celtic Park last weekend and his thoughts on how this Celtic squad would get on playing in English football.
Celtic interest ‘probably a factor’ as key transfer target to be disciplined by club for going AWOL
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Published 30th Jul 2024, 20:39 BST
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-interest-probably-a-factor-as-key-transfer-target-to-be-disciplined-by-club-for-going-awol-4723276
Striker sat out pre-season friendly after missing flight to Austria
Celtic target Adam Idah is to be disciplined by Norwich City after missing a pre-season flight to Austria.
The Republic of Ireland international sat out the friendly match with Hoffenheim on Tuesday after failing to fly out with the rest of the squad ahead of the fixture, only joining up with the side later after making his own travel arrangements.
Idah, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic, watched the match from the sidelines with Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup confirming afterwards that the 23-year-old was left out due to going AWOL.
Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers in May. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers in May. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
“Adam had some internal issues where he reported late for the flight on Sunday,” the Dane explained. “We decided that he should come as quick as possible but of course could not be a part of this game. There are some things we can accept and some things we cannot accept, and this is a part where we cannot accept it.
“We have rules and everyone has to stick by them.”
Thorup added that speculation over a move to Celtic was “probably a factor” in his striker’s indiscretion.
Idah scored nine goals in 19 matches while on loan at the Hoops last term including a late winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers in his last match before returning to his parent club.
Celtic had a £4million bid rejected by Norwich earlier in the transfer window for Idah, who is under contract at Carrow Road until 2028.
Meanwhile, Callum McGregor dismissed any notion that Celtic have gained a pre-season boost from the perception that city rivals Rangers are ill-equipped for the start of the campaign.
The Gers will play their first few home games, until late September at least, at Hampden due to a delay in renovation work at Ibrox while Philippe Clement’s squad does not appear to have been adequately replenished following the departure of a string of experienced players.
However, Celtic captain McGregor is adamant he and his colleagues are paying no attention to any issues across the city as they prepare to begin their Premiership title defence at home to Kilmarnock on Sunday.
“Nah, it’s not something we’ve spoken about or looked at,” said McGregor, speaking at the official launch of the 2024-25 William Hill SPFL season in Glasgow on Tuesday. “We have our own set of problems and challenges that we have to face in order to get better as a club and as a squad of players.
“We’re too busy trying to demand the very best of each other, and what will be will be.”
“We’re trying to control all the things that we can control, and push and demand as much as we can from the players. I’m sure once the season starts, everything will sort itself out but the only thing we’re focused on is ourselves.”
Celtic confirm Adam Idah signing – contract length, record fee, player’s first words, Brendan Rodgers delight
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-confirm-adam-idah-signing-contract-length-record-fee-players-first-words-brendan-rodgers-delight-4742629
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Published 14th Aug 2024, 19:53 BST
Updated 14th Aug 2024, 22:33 BST
Irish international returns on permanent transfer
Celtic have confirmed the signing of striker Adam Idah from Norwich City in a deal that could eventually break the club record transfer fee.
The 23-year-old has returned to Parkhead on a permanent transfer following a successful loan spell last season, where he scored nine goals in 19 appearances including the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers.
The Republic of Ireland international has penned a five-year contract with Celtic reported to be paying an initial £8.5million up front, plus a potential £1millions in add-ons that would take the total fee beyond the record £9million paid to sign Odsonne Edouard from PSG in 2018.
Idah’s arrival brings an end to a lengthy transfer saga with negotiations dragging across several weeks as the clubs haggled over the asking price. The Scottish champions had an initial £4million bid turned down last month before the clubs resumed talks last week.
“I think everyone knew where I wanted to be,” a delighted Idah told Celtic TV. “It’s amazing for me and I’m delighted to be back.
“Within the first couple of days of being here when I came on loan first time, I wanted to play for Celtic. It was amazing to get all of those goals and to be in with the boys and to see these amazing fans week in, week out was unbelievable.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it and I’m just so happy to be back. I always wanted to play for Celtic and obviously last season was amazing. To come here now and be fully a part of the team and a part of this club is amazing to me.
“Everyone back home, all my family and friends, they all wanted me to come back to Celtic, myself included, so it’s massive and I’m just so happy to be here.”
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers made no secret of his desire bring Idah back to Glasgow and expressed gratitude that the deal finally got over the line.
“We are delighted to welcome Adam back to Celtic on a permanent basis and we are so pleased that he has agreed this new five-year contract with the club,” Rodgers said. “The club has done brilliantly to secure this long-term deal. We are investing in a player of real quality who will be crucial for us over the next few years.
“He is a player who already has given us so much, performing fantastically for us on loan and really delivering for the club and our fans last season. He played a pivotal role in our success last year and I know he can be hugely important for us again. Adam has fantastic attributes and he is a dynamic, hungry, committed player who can make a real difference.
“Really importantly, Adam feels at home at Celtic, he has a love and passion for the club and I know he will be giving everything to once again bring our fans success.”
The Celtic journey to paradise: 8am serenades in LA, Dara O’Shea agent call and £700k to one lucky club
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor
0
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Published 15th Aug 2024, 22:30 BST
Striker had to wait all summer – but via the States and Sky Sports, Irishman is delighted to be at Celtic Park
Adam Idah is the personification of a cat that has got the cream. Finally back at Celtic after a transfer saga that took weeks to resolve, the Irishman plans on repaying the love of the club’s support and the faith shown to him by manager Brendan Rodgers.
Idah will freely admit that his career was in a dark place before Celtic landed him on loan back in January from Norwich, where he was struggling to hold down a place in the starting XI. Five months later, he became the darling of the Parkhead fans, scoring the goal that downed Rangers to win the Scottish Cup final. Such was the transformation of his career in Scotland, it comes as no surprise to hear he was desperate to make the move permanent.
The Irishman is now contracted to Celtic for five years. He has security at a place that feels like home. “I think ever since I came up here the first time I knew how big this club was and that I wanted to play for it,” said Idah as he was unveiled to the press.
“Being in the changing room with the boys and around the staff, it was unbelievable. It was so good for me and I’m just delighted to be here now.”
Adam Idah will wear the No 9 shirt at Celtic this season.
Adam Idah will wear the No 9 shirt at Celtic this season. | SNS Group
Idah’s future has been the talk of the town ever since scoring that late goal back in May. He tried to switch off while on his holidays, knowing where he wanted to be but unsure how long it would take for Celtic and Norwich to thrash out his fee. His message to his agent was simple: let me know when the deal is done.
“I didn’t really know what was going on myself,” revealed Idah. “I kind of actually found out it was on Sky Sports that it got done. I was just in my house and my mum rang me, so yeah, I phoned my agent and said just do what you need to do. And an hour after he rang me and said it was agreed and I said ‘I know I’ve already seen it on TV!’”
Idah spent part of his summer vacation in the United States and even though he was more than 5,000 miles away from Glasgow in Los Angeles, he could not escape the passion of the Celtic support.
“I was in LA and there was a group of Celtic fans down on the boulevard,” he recalled. “Eight o’clock in the morning and there’s Celtic fans everywhere. That was a bit of a shock to me. It was a bit of a new thing to get used to that kind of side of things because you haven’t really been identified like that in a place like that.
Idah scored the winner for Celtic against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.
Idah scored the winner for Celtic against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final. | SNS Group
“It’s a strange one. Even going back home, obviously everyone knows me back home, so it’s pretty normal for me going home. But now that I’ve been at Celtic, it’s like I’m a new man when I go home, which is pretty strange. But yeah look, it’s been fantastic. I say it all the time, the fans here have been amazing to me. The reaction I got, the welcome, has been top class. It’s time for me to repay that now.”
Idah was on vacation with fellow Irishman and Burnley defender Dara O’Shea, who has been linked with a move to Celtic this summer. Eagle-eyed fans will have spotted the centre-half was quick to congratulate Idah on his move on Instagram. “I was actually on holidays with Dara in the summer,” smiled Idah. “He’s a fantastic player and he’s up there. He scored the other night, so he’s a great player.” Could he join you at Celtic, Idah was asked. “It’s down to his agent that,” was the quick response.
His move to Celtic has, however, had an impact on another entity close to Idah’s heart: College Corinthians. It has emerged that the County Cork team inserted a ten per cent sell-on clause when the player moved from the Irish side to Norwich City. Whoever brokered such an agreement deserved a few pints of Guinness. Corinthians have pocketed a sum in the region of £700,000 as a result.
“I didn’t even know that was a thing,” said Idah. “It’s huge. I can’t even remember what age I was when I went to Corinthians. But obviously they’ve been a massive influence in my career. It’s where I started playing football and where I started enjoying playing football. So, it’s obviously massive for them. That’s a huge chunk of money and I’m delighted for them. I can only thank them for what they’ve done for me.
Idah speaks to the press after completing his permanent move to Celtic.
Idah speaks to the press after completing his permanent move to Celtic. | SNS Group
“I think we won the league every year I was there. Didn’t lose many games, it was great. All the friends I grew up with when I was a kid and schoolmates. It was unbelievable. It’s where you start enjoying football. As a kid, playing with all your friends, there’s nothing better.”
Except, that is, playing for Celtic. Idah’s mother Fiona noted the improvement in her son’s mood when he made the move in January and a regular attendee at matches last season, she will make the journey over from Ireland frequently to support her boy.
“She was delighted,” added Idah. “She’s so proud of me and she’s buzzing. She’s dying to get over for the games now, so she’s loving life. She came to quite a few games and obviously she came over for the cup final, so that was a big one for her. She says it herself – she’s never seen me as happy playing football as when I came here the first time.”