Odsonne Edouard could have returned to Celtic last summer.
But then-Celtic-boss Brendan Rodgers opted against re-signing Edouard, who has enjoyed a season revival in the colours of RC Lens, including helping them win the French Cup for the first time in their history last Friday.
Edouard’s return to form, after a few years of struggle at Crystal Palace and Leicester City, has put his name back on the map, including suggestions he could represent Haiti at this summer’s World Cup.
The 28-year-old, who is eligible to play for France, has rejected the chance to play on world football’s biggest stage because he doesn’t feel he has earned it.
“I wouldn’t feel legitimate playing in the World Cup because there were players who fought to qualify, and I wasn’t going to show up at the last minute to take advantage,” said Edouard.
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Celtic hero Odsonne Edouard won’t represent Haiti at this summer’s World Cup
Every player who dreams of becoming a professional, at any stage, also wants to live that dream of playing at a World Cup.
Yet Edouard, who doesn’t have a senior international cap to his name after representing France at the younger age levels, has turned that opportunity down in a classy fashion.
The Treble-winning Celtic hero is well aware that he is better than anyone in the Haiti squad, and he would walk into their starting XI.
But as he rightfully told Football_fr, he has to ‘deserve’ the chance to play, which he hasn’t done so because he didn’t play any part in them qualifying for the World Cup.
“I wouldn’t feel legitimate playing in the World Cup because there were players who fought to qualify, and I wasn’t going to show up at the last minute to take advantage,” said Edouard.
“Quite simply, if I’m going to play, I have to deserve it.”
Edouard’s record this season
It needs to be noted that had Edouard accepted Haiti’s offer and represented them at the World Cup, then he would have reunited with some of his old Celtic teammates.
That’s because Haiti are in Scotland’s group, with Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston called up by Steve Clarke.
Nonetheless, after returning to France last summer, Edouard has helped Lens to a second-placed finish, as well as a trophy.
- Games: 36
- Goals: 14
- Assists: 3
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