New Crystal Palace signing Ahamada feeling at home in SE25

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

After signing for Crystal Palace on deadline day last month, 20-year-old Naouirou Ahamada has been settling down to business in South London.

And in just his second appearance for the Eagles, he was introduced to one of their most passionate match-ups early on – against rivals Brighton at Selhurst which ended in a 1-1 draw.

“It was a difficult game because Brighton are a good team, but we are happy because we defended very well and were compact,” said the midfielder to the South London Press.

“I enjoyed it, it was very good,” he added about making his home debut. “The fans were amazing and I’m happy to play at Selhurst Park.”

Ahamada came on as an 84th-minute substitute against the South Coast team, his second late appearance under Patrick Vieira in the two matches since the January transfer window closed. It followed his 82nd-minute appearance at Manchester United in a 2-1 loss.

With his work on the pitch helping him settle in his new country, he is also adapting to life in the UK capital, thanks to a little help from his friends.

“London is good, it’s a big city, it’s a very good city and I’m happy to be here,” said Ahamada, who was signed from VfB Stuttgart on the same day that fellow midfielder, Belgian Albert Sambi Lokonga, joined on loan from Arsenal.

“I want to enjoy my time in London and learn and work with the guys. The guys are helping me. There are a lot of guys, experienced guys like Jordan (Ayew).

“Jordan speaks with me and we also have a lot of French [speakers] like Odsonne (Edouard), Sambi speaks French also. Sambi is a good guy. He helps me and it is good for me to be with him.”

Before moving to London, Ahamada spent time at Juventus’ academy before moving to Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga, where he appeared 17 times this season. The midfielder has also represented France at U16, U17 and U18 level, which included third place at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Now, he has another challenge, working under World Cup winner Vieira and cementing himself in his side for the remaining 16 league games of the season.

“I give everything for the club,” he said about his aims for the rest of the season.

“I want to improve my quality and I want to learn from Patrick (Vieira), from everyone here. I want to work and give everything for this club. I’m very happy to be here.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD