Former Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley has claimed that he never wanted to leave Parkhead.
The Welshman was part of Neil Lennon’s successful three-in-a-row winning side. Yet, before he actually had the chance to nab his third consecutive Scottish Premiership, he was sold to Crystal Palace.
It came as a shock to Celtic supporters when it happened. Ledley had featured over 160 times for the Hoops in three-and-a-half years at the club. He had become a popular figure for the supporters, and it seemed only a matter of time until he signed a new contract.
But Ledley, speaking to Open Goal with Simon Ferry, has revealed that he never wanted to leave Celtic one bit.
“I didn’t want to leave at all. I had five hours to decide, and they (Palace) were bottom of the league at the time.
“The last thing I wanted to do was go there for 10 games in the Premiership and then go down. So I packed all my stuff up and got emotional because I didn’t want to leave. I had driven home and I was in two minds now.
“Then my agent said ‘I need you to decide now’, and I just went. I didn’t want to go, but everyone wants to play in the Premier League.”
Not a convincing departure
It’s certainly not the most convincing of moves by the sounds of it. Ledley was adored at Parkhead, and was an integral part of Lennon’s original set-up in Glasgow.
He was part of the famous Champions League nights under Lennon, and became a fans-favourite quickly with his aggressive, dominant midfield approach.
Since leaving, Ledley has been a success down in England. He stayed with Palace for a further three years before moving to Derby County. He then departed County in January.
He’ll always be remembered fondly by the Celtic supporters, however. Regardless of the fact he could’ve been a top hero at Celtic, he did the club a good turn.
It will be interesting to see if he ever comes back to Parkhead, be it in a coaching or playing capacity. But at 32-years of age, that’s not looking overly-likely.
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