‘He’s a French legend’ – Odsonne Edouard on signing for Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace

New Crystal Palace signing Odsonne Edouard says he couldn’t “say no” to signing for the South London club.

Edouard, 23, scored 86 goals in 179 appearances for Celtic, winning three Scottish Premier Leagues and four domestic cups at Celtic Park since he joined from Paris Saint Germain in 2017.

Palace paid an initial £14million fee that could rise to £18m with add-ons for the forward who has been capped by France at U21 level.

Speaking about what made him choose Palace, Edouard told Palace TV: “The way the team play, the level of the players there, the new manager. For me as well, it’s a new challenge, (it’s) the best league for me, so I can’t say no to this team.”

Edouard will also be playing under French World Cup winner Patrick Vieira, becoming the Eagles’ seventh summer signing and penning a four-year deal at Selhurst Park to join new recruits Will Hughes, Michael Olise, Remi Matthews, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Conor Gallagher.

“He’s a French legend. In France, everyone knows him,” said Edouard on Vieira. “So for me, it’s big to play for him, and I’m looking forward to progressing a lot with him.”

Speaking on making the move to the Premier League, Edouard said: “It’s a big challenge for me. It’s a big change. I am 23 years (old) now and feel I am ready for this new challenge.

“Scoring goals in the Premier League may be the biggest challenge in my career. But I’m confident in myself and my team-mates to be successful.”

PICTURE: PPAUK/Dan Weir for CPFC