ADAM IDAH has opened up on the “hate” and “torture” he faced during his 18 months at Celtic.
The Republic of Ireland international striker became the club’s most expensive player when he cost £9.5million from Norwich City on August 12 last year.
That fee was eclipsed 18 days later later when Belgian midfielder Arne Engels arrived in an £11million switch from Bundesliga side Augsburg.
Brendan Rodgers had tagged Idah a “priority target” following his impressive short term loan spell from the second-tier club the previous season.
The 24-year-old powerhouse rounded off his temporary transfer in fine style with the winner in the Scottish Cup Final against Ibrox opposition at Hampden on May 25.
HAPPIER TIMES…Adam Idah celebrates one of his 20 goals last season.
However, after just one campaign as a full-time Celt, Idah moved to Swansea City last week in a cut-price £6million deal after admitting he was fighting a losing battle to win over his critics.
The Cork-born forward struggled to convince after Kyogo Furuhashi was sold for £10million to Rennes in January and Rodgers had to bring in Daizen Maeda from the wing to lead the attack. The Japanese speedster responded with a 33-goal crusade.
Idah ended with 20 strikes and admitted he was satisfied with the total.
The international frontman, who won two titles as well as a Scottish Cup medal in his year and a half at Parkhead, said: “I think there have been so many times where I’ve won them games and got them qualified for things, the finals.
“It probably goes unnoticed.
“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. But flip it the other way, you’re doing well and it’s the best place ever.
DERBY DELIGHT…Adam Idah slams in Celtic’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Ibrox in May with Connor Barron too late to block the shot.
“I think that’s what it’s going to be like at any top club. You’ve just got to deal with that.
“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.
“To score 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.”
Idah was left out of Rodgers’ squad for the scoreless stalemate in the Ibrox derby when interest from the Championship outfit was made known to him.
The hitman was also due to report for international duty. He was able to get the transfer over the line before heading for Ireland to begin preparations for the World Cup qualifiers where he headed a late equaliser in his nation’s 2-2 draw with Hungary in Budapest at the weekend.
IRISH EYES ARE SMILING…Adam Idah thumps the Scottish Cup winner behind the helpless Jack Butland at Hampden on May 25 2024.
Idah, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “It was crazy. I probably found out the day before that game, which was a bit of a crazy week, to be honest.
“It’s going to be a fresh start for me. I’ve spoken with the staff and the lads there.
“I loved my time at Celtic. At first, I didn’t want to leave Celtic. I wanted to go and fight for my spot. I wanted to do well there.
“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 is now ready to lead the Republic of Ireland in their second qualifier in Armenia tomorrow night.
