ODSONNE EDOUARD admits regrets over being denied the opportunity of reaching his 30-goal target for the season.
The French under-21 international frontman was just two strikes away from achieving his aim when the game went into lockdown in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Edouard claimed his 28th goal of the campaign in the 5-0 win over St Mirren at Parkhead on Saturday, March 7 before football was forced into cold storage.
The SPFL hierarchy have, of course, now brought down the final curtain on the season with the Hoops, out in front with a 13-point lead with eight games to play, being awarded their ninth successive title,
However, the team’s talisman was disappointed he did not reach his objective.
Edouard, speaking to the Celtic View, said: “On a personal level, I was frustrated that we didn’t get to finish the league on the pitch. I think every one of the players is the same.
“I don’t normally share my personal targets, but this season it was 30 goals minimum, especially the longer time went on. I’m sure if the league had continued as normal I could have scored 30 goals.
“But, the most important thing is the title. Celtic winning the title, to win nine in a row, which we did. That’s good for me. I’m happy with this.”
Edouard, the team’s record buy when he cost £9million from Paris Saint-Germain in June 2018, also scoffed at the critics who claim the record-equalling flag achievement is tainted.
He added: “It’s been a great season for the team and for me, so I’m very happy. Without question, this team deserves to be champions.
“It’s a good decision and the right decision. We’re living in strange times at the moment, it’s a strange life.
“The most important thing is the security and safety of all of the players, all of the fans, their families, so to call the league in the way it was called was a good decision.
“But, given how we played on the pitch, we absolutely deserve to be champions.
“The most important thing to me, personally, is to get the chance to celebrate the title with the fans and my team-mates.
“Then I want to be back playing football as well, because I miss it so much. I can’t wait to celebrate, but I also can’t wait to be back playing. It’s been very, very hard to be away from football for so long.”
