ODSONNE EDOUARD recalled the “crazy” days of Celtic’s derby clashes with Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side.
But the former Hoops hitman, who joined Crystal Palace in a deal which will rise to £18.5million switch on deadline day, named the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts on May 25 2019 as the highlight of his four-year career at Parkhead.
The team were bidding for an unprecedented treble treble when they took on the Edinburgh club and struggled throughout the first-half before going a goal behind after the break when Ryan Edwards capitalised on some sloppy defending to turn the ball past Scott Bain.
ONE GOAL COMING UP…Odsonne Edouard prepares to fire in the opener in Celtic’s 2-1 win over the Ibrox team in March 2019.
Edouard, who had arrived on a club record fee of £9million from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018 after impressing during a season-long loan move, took centre stage at the national stadium to level with a penalty-kick before slotting the winner beyond keeper Bobby Zlamal with eight minutes to go.
The flamboyant 23-year-old, who netted seven goals against the Govan club during his stay in Glasgow, spoke for the first time about leaving Celtic when he appeared on UUM.
Speaking of the super-charged derbies, Edouard said: “It’s incredible, an atmosphere like this.
“When we played Rangers at Celtic Park, with the Celtic fans, it’s crazy.”
Asked about the feeling of scoring against the Govan club, he replied: “I can’t explain, you have to live this to understand what I feel.
“The atmosphere when you score during this game is amazing.”
SIGN SAYS IT ALL…Odsonne Edouard celebrates with Scott Sinclair after his winner against Hearts in the 2019 Scottish Cup Final.
Reflecting on his double that brought the side their ninth successive domestic trophy almost two and a half years ago, Edouard added: “It’s the best feeling, the best, because when you are a player you play to win titles, and score in games like this, and after you win the title, it’s unbelievable.
“I stayed four years there. I have some good memories.”
Ironically, Edouard’s final appearance in the hoops was at Ibrox on August 29 where he squandered a clear-cut opportunity to open the scoring in the first-half. He was taken off in the 68th minute to be replaced by Tom Rogic as Ange Postecoglou’s side had the bulk of possession, but still lost 1-0.
Thankfully, the Frenchman had more memorable outings against Celtic’s city neighbours.
