Former Celtic striker Amido Balde has revealed that he is currently employed at a brick manufacturing plant in the Netherlands…
However, the former Hoops forward remains determined to revive his playing career despite not featuring in a competitive match for six years. The 34-year-old – who once shared a dressing room with Virgil van Dijk during his time in Glasgow – arrived at Celtic in 2013 from Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães in a deal worth around £2 million.
But, his spell under Neil Lennon proved unsuccessful, managing only three league goals in 20 appearances.
He was sent out on loan twice before his contract was ultimately ended by mutual agreement, despite having two years remaining.
Following his departure from the Scottish champions, Balde ended up at clubs across France, Angola, Portugal, Albania, Libya and Indonesia. His most recent appearance came in 2020, when he played in Vietnam for Ho Chi Minh City.
Now based in the Dutch city of Thorn, Balde works as both a factory labourer and forklift driver. However, he insists he has not given up hope of returning to professional football.
Speaking via The Herald, Balde said: “Maybe it’s not realistic. But I’d love to have another chance to prove myself in football. I didn’t realise how happy I was during my career. I will never forget the packed stands at Celtic cheering me.”
“At Celtic, I was teammates with Virgil van Dijk. He is a good man. He took me to Edinburgh for dinner and shopping. I was on a long dry spell without a goal at Celtic and he sensed I wasn’t happy. God bless him.”
“But Virgil’s in Liverpool, and I’m here… I didn’t always have the right mentality. I lacked focus. Where exactly did it go wrong? I find that difficult to say.
“I stopped playing during the Covid period. I was busy with my family and thought everything would work out in the end. I have to provide for my family and this is a good job. I searched the internet for ‘working in the Netherlands’ because I had heard it paid well and clicked on the first offer I got.
The former Celtic striker added: “I didn’t make any money from my football career because I spent what I earned on clothes, watches and going out. But I never made millions.
“The only things I focus on are work, my family, and my religion. In the evenings, I call my wife and children.
“They are the most important thing to me. I also pray and read the Bible. That’s enough for me. I just hope God gives me another chance in football.”
All the best to Amido, it is a powerful story. Hopefully he can fulfil his dream and get back playing again.
Once a Bhoy, Amido…
Conor Spence
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