Joe Ledley explains what was ‘surreal’ about his time at Celtic

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Joe Ledley enjoyed a trophy-laden few years at Celtic under Neil Lennon before departing for Crystal Palace in early 2014.

Arriving from Cardiff City in 2010, the 37-year-old spent four years at Parkhead, registering 30 goals and 24 assists in 155 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Becoming a Scottish Premiership three-in-a-row winner alongside claiming two Scottish Cups, Ledley established himself as a key player at the club in the 2010s and still holds a mutual bond with the support to this day.

In May, he turned out for Celtic Legends in their charity match against Borussia Dortmund, labelling the experience of returning to Glasgow as an ‘absolute honour’ to have participated in.

Now, he has dropped some insight into his time at the Bhoys and why he still has fond memories of pulling on the green and white jersey.

Joe Ledley on what was ‘surreal’ about his time at Celtic

Speaking to World Football Index, Ledley reflected on his ‘surreal’ time at Celtic, illustrating the value of having trophies to look back on once your professional career had ended.

He explained: “There is no better feeling than winning silverware and that’s the reason why I went to Celtic because when you look back on your career, you want to remember the trophies that you won and the medals that you have earned.

“It is something that I can talk to my kids and about and, hopefully, in the future down the line, potential grandkids as well.

“I have to say that playing in the Champions League, Europa League and the games against Rangers and the play in the Champions League was surreal. There was no better feeling, and no one can ever take that away from me as well.

“Overall, it all planned out well in the end as I won two league titles and three domestic cups. I loved every single minute of my time at Celtic, the fans were fantastic to me, and my family and we had a fantastic bond.”

Ledley clearly loved his time at Celtic, which he is probably best known for alongside his exploits with Cardiff City and the Welsh national team.

To many, he is one of the most underrated players to have turned out at Parkhead in recent years, and he is still well-received by fans to this day following a successful stint north of the border.

Now enjoying his retirement from football, he has medals and memories to look back on, which isn’t something that every player is able to experience despite years on the professional scene.