Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo has revealed that Spanish giants FC Barcelona were interesting in signing him but he had to reject their offer.
Ighalo who currently plays in China for Shanghai Shenhua explained that Barcelona needed a short-term backup and a player of his status deserves better.
“My agent spoke to me about a loan interest from Barcelona. The club wanted a striker with La Liga experience and someone who understands Spanish football,” Ighalo told BBC Sport.
“It was meant to be a six-month loan and strictly as a back-up striker. It was nice to hear that Barcelona were interested and any footballer would be more than happy to take it.
“But with due respect, I had just finished as the second top scorer in China with 21 goals, I deserve better and didn’t want to be a short-term player somewhere.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We rejected it, it was an easy decision to make and I chose to stay in China by joining Shanghai Shenhua on a longer contract.”
