Adam Idah says he faced 'hate' and 'torture' as he leaves Celtic for Swansea

Adam Idah said he endured "hate" and the feeling that "it's torture" during a difficult fight to win over critics at Celtic as he completed a deadline‑day transfer to Championship side Swansea City.

The 24‑year‑old Republic of Ireland striker, who spent 18 months at Parkhead after initially joining on loan from Norwich, made the comments after scoring a late equaliser in Ireland's 2‑2 World Cup qualifying draw with Hungary. Idah leaves Glasgow with two Scottish Premiership medals and a Scottish Cup winners' medal to his name, but also with the sense that much of his contribution "probably went unnoticed."

Idah acknowledged the extremes of life at a top club, saying: "It can be tough, you get a lot of hate. You might have a bad game and it's torture. It's a difficult place up there. But flip it the other way, you're doing well and it's the best place ever." He added: "Celtic is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's a really proud moment for me, playing for them. Having done my time there, I've had some great memories. I've got nothing bad to say about the club. It was an amazing experience for me to go and play there."

The striker highlighted moments that underline his role at Celtic, including a late winner against Rangers at Hampden that clinched the Scottish Cup and a return of around 20 goals last season largely from substitute appearances. "To score, I think, 20 goals last season coming off the bench, it kind of goes a bit unnoticed. But that's football. It's time to move on now and get a fresh start," he said.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers omitted Idah from the squad for the first Old Firm derby of the season at Ibrox after Swansea's interest emerged. Idah said he "probably found out the day before that game," describing the week as "a bit of a crazy week." He completed his move before joining the Ireland squad to prepare for qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia.

Idah said he initially wanted to remain and fight for his place at Celtic but was persuaded by Swansea's project and familiarity with some of the coaching staff there. "Swansea have a great project and I know some of the staff there. What they think I can bring to the team is something I want to go and do. I spoke with the staff at Celtic and it seemed right. I'm really looking forward to going to Swansea," he said.

The move reunites Idah with the challenge of regular first‑team football in the English Championship, where Swansea hope his experience at a top club and his recent international form can bolster their attack. Idah's transfer completes a period of change for the striker, who will now attempt to translate his moments of cup success and substitute goals into a sustained run of starts in Wales.