Everything Celtic striker Adam Idah said to the media in his first press conference since transferring permanently from Norwich City to the club...


Why were you so keen to make this move happen then?

I enjoyed my time the first time. The love and support from everyone was amazing and for me to feel that connection was really important to me. In terms of that connection I had with the fans and staff and players, that helped me when I was out on the pitch. I think that they will develop my career and if I want to develop, then this is the right club for me to be at.

What was it that really lured you into the club?

I think I was just so comfortable coming in the first time. The lads welcomed me in, the manager and all of the staff. It was almost the easiest transition ever because I had settled in quite quickly. Playing games and scoring goals - it was amazing. I’ve always wanted that feeling and I didn’t get that at Norwich and that was unfortunate. I’m delighted to get it done and be here at this great club.

How did you find this summer? It hasn’t appeared to be as straightforward a deal as the club or you probably would have imagined. 

To be fair, my summer was great! I got a holiday and told my agent that I don’t really want anything to do with it - you do the work and you just let me know when it’s done. The other day, I was told it was done, so I was happy with that! I didn’t really want to be too involved with it, but I’m happy to be here.

Was it not tricky to have the issue with Norwich - you were left out at one stage - and played last weekend when you might have had other things on your mind?

I think everyone knew where I wanted to be. I was still contracted at Norwich, so I just wanted to be professional. They knew the situation and they were great with me. They asked me if I wanted to play the first league game and it was my choice to play. Norwich is a club that I’ve have everything for - it’s where I’ve grown up. I came there as a boy and left as a man. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Norwich, they treated me great. These things happen in football and we need to move on.

What were the circumstances around the missed flight - is that something that was blown out of proportion?

It had nothing to do with me trying to leave, it was just a genuine mistake by myself. I did apologise to the Norwich board and they know it had nothing to do with me trying to leave or force a move. It was nothing to do with that - it was my fault and it was resolved pretty quickly.

The club have spent a sizeable fee to bring you back. Is there an added pressure that comes along with that, do you feel?

Not really, no. I’m here to play football. The fee wasn’t my choice. I’m coming here now to score as many goals as I can, be successful and crack on. I don’t think there’s much pressure on me with the fee. I wasn’t the one that asked for it. I’m here to play and win football games.

Of the 19 games you made, seven were starts. Is the aim now to try and hold down a starting place?

I’m here to play games, regardless of if I’m starting or coming off of the bench. The mentality that is here in this group is unbelievable, everyone wants to win. It doesn’t matter who’s playing, or who’s starting, everyone supports each other. It’ll be the exact same this season, and not about how many games you start. For me, it’s about winning games and scoring goals.

You ended the season on the highest of highs. How do you look back on that cup final?

Unbelievable. It was probably one of the greatest moments of my career. It’s quite hard to describe that feeling, when you see the ball bulging in the background of the net it was unbelievable. That was a great time then, but that’s past me now and I’m focusing on this season. 

How much was playing Champions League football a factor in your decision to come back?

Huge! I think every young boy and footballer wants to play in the Champions League. It’s the elite level of football, and for me to now have that opportunity is unbelievable. I can’t wait to get going.

What sort of experience are you looking to gain from it?

We’re going to be playing against top teams but I’ve played at the top level already. It’s a new challenge for me but I like new challenges.

How confident are you that you can score big goals like you did last season, and how important is self-confidence when you come to a club this size?

I’m quite confident, yes. The timing of the goals I scored last season was unbelievable. For me, the main target is to score as many goals as I can, regardless of the timing. Self-confidence is huge, and at Norwich, I probably didn’t have that belief, but I tried to get it going and since coming to Celtic in January it really boosted me. I think people could tell the difference between me at Norwich and when I was at Celtic. I think it is really important.

Why do you think that is the case? What is it about this club that gives you that confidence?

The connection I had with people, but not just the players and staff but the fans. They make the difference. I didn’t have the best connection or treatment with the fans at Norwich, so it does make a difference. I don’t have that added pressure of going onto the pitch. Coming here, I’ve got the freedom to give it everything. I want to give everything back to them. Fortunately, I did in that five-month period. It’s huge.

How much do you think you can improve at Celtic?

A lot. The last couple of months working with Brendan Rodgers were amazing. Seeing what he’s done with other players, looking at that I feel like I can develop so much. I know what I’m capable of and it’s time to put it all together - to work the best that I can. I know Brendan has got great interest in me and it’s just us sticking together and pushing on.

Callum McGregor said a few weeks ago that you were still in the group chat. Were you getting loads of questions asking you about what was happening? 

I was back and forth with a couple of them! I didn’t really know what was going on myself. I actually found out on Sky Sports when it got done! I’m still in the group chat and kept in touch.

It must be quite odd watching it all unfold on the TV, where were you at the time?

Just in my house and my mum rang me! I phoned my agent and said just do what you need to do. An hour later, it was agreed and I’d already seen it on TV! I’m delighted to be here.

Did you have a lot of dialogue with Brendan over the summer on your holiday? He seems a big fan of you and you’re clearly a big fan of him.

We spoke briefly. Everyone knew where I wanted to be, so we spoke briefly. We stayed in touch, he was asking how I was keeping and if I was staying fit. Just little things by staying in touch, yeah.

On the price tag, I know you say it doesn’t put pressure on you but being one of the most expensive players in Celtic’s history - does it come into your mind?

Not really, it doesn’t play on my mind too much. I only just found out a while ago that was the case. It’s just the price tag and I’m here to play football, regardless of the fee. I’ve still got the same drive and I want to be the best I can be.