Odsonne Edouard reflects upon 'very different' EPL experience after Celtic exit

By Lewis Laird

August 5, 2022

Former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard has opened up on the differences he has faced at Crystal Palace since his Parkhead departure last summer.

The 24-year-old spent four years at Celtic Park after joining from French giants PSG on an initial loan deal before completing his permanent stay in 2018.

During his time at the Hoops, Edouard became a firm fan’s favourite leading the line under Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon, collecting 125 goal contributions in 179 appearances for the club.

After going into the last year of his contract with the Hoops last summer, speculation started to surround the Frenchman over a potential exit during the transfer window.

Despite starting the season under new boss Ange Postecoglou, Edouard found himself on the move by the end of the summer, signing for English Premier League side Crystal Palace on deadline day.

Edouard made a fantastic start to life down south, scoring a double off the bench on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur.

After his strong start, though, the French under-21 internationalist couldn’t kick on and eventually lost his place in the starting line-up under Patrick Vieira.

Speaking ahead of the beginning of the new season, Edouard opened up on the differences he experienced in his first year south of the border in comparison to playing in Scottish Football with Celtic.

He said [South London News]: “It was a good season, [but] it’s not easy to come from Scotland and play in England because it’s the best league in the world,” Edouard said. “But the team helped me to adapt very well, and I’m looking forward to this season.

“Scotland is very different – everything is different. The technique, the intensity [of the league], the [style] of the teams that we play against – it was very different.”

Edouard bound to come good for Palace as he gets set for second season in England.

After spending around four years at Parkhead, Celtic fans know just how good a player Odsonne Edouard is.

At the beginning of last summer, it was already accepted that we would be losing the Frenchman, and despite that being a disappointment, it was probably the best move for all parties.

Palace enjoyed a positive season under Vieira last campaign. But, on reflection of the entire season, you would imagine Edouard would have been slightly frustrated at picking up just six goal contributions in 31 games.

Heading in 2022/23, Edouard will have his eyes firmly set on improving after experiencing the English Premier League for the first time last year.

It may have taken him a year to settle into English Football, and he has clearly recognised the differences and difficulties he has faced when comparing his new club to his days in the Scottish Premiership.

It should be interesting to see how he performs, and as Celtic fans, it is always nice to see our popular former players do well when they head elsewhere.

In other news, Manchester City midfielder talks up ‘amazing’ Celtic Park experience.