Ex-Man Utd striker Ighalo explains why he turned down offers from West Ham, West Brom
Published: June 19, 2021Odion Ighalo has revealed that he turned down offers from two Premier League clubs before sealing a permanent transfer to Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al-Shabab in the winter transfer market.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer would not disclose the identities of the teams based in Turkey, Spain, Qatar and Italy interested in signing him.
Ighalo felt that there was no point extending his stay in England after he fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The former Udinese and Granada man became the first Nigerian-born player to wear the colours of the Red Devils when he made his competitive debut in a 2-0 win at Chelsea on February 17, 2020.
In an interview with Elegbete Sports TV this week, Ighalo said : "I got an offer from two Premier League teams - West Ham and West Brom - who were ready to pay but what am I going to do in the Premier League again after playing for Manchester United?
"What other team do I want to play for to fulfill my dream? I have already fulfilled my dream, played in Watford and did well, played in Manchester United.
"I had offers from Turkey, from Italy, from Spain but I've played in Italy and Spain before so I wanted a different challenge, a different country, and I had an offer too from Qatar.
"What other team do I want to play for to fulfill my dream? I have already fulfilled my dream, played in Watford and did well, played in Manchester United.
"I had offers from Turkey, from Italy, from Spain but I've played in Italy and Spain before so I wanted a different challenge, a different country, and I had an offer too from Qatar.
"Even I thought I would be even going to Qatar but last minute the Saudi Arabia deal came up."
The 32-year-old Ighalo is credited with 67 appearances in the English top-flight and has sixteen goals to his name.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain emerge as suitors for Arsenal's teenage Nigerian striker
- Top Nigeria football maestros who defined greatness on the pitch
- Our 'Goat' listing of African football personalities who deserve recognition
- Tosin's dilemma: Newcastle United or Tottenham, which club should highly-coveted CB choose?
- PL Cup: Ajayi's stoppage goal saves Tottenham from defeat in 7-goal thriller against Nottingham Forest
- Retained and released list: Wrexham mum on the future of Arsenal goalkeeper Okonkwo
- 'You don't have to tackle like that' - Club Brugge captain tears into Super Eagles midfielder over red card
- 'Was unbelievable' - Chelsea boss Pochettino singles out Madueke for praise after display v Tottenham
- 'They had chances, we had chances' - Lookman reacts after Atalanta's 1-1 draw against Marseille
- Report: Man Utd ahead of Arsenal, Liverpool in the race to sign former Super Eagles invitee
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football