Categories: La LigaNewsNigeria

Ighalo: Why I rejected Barcelona move

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.

“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.”

This post was last modified on March 30, 2019 10:48 am

Biyi Akangbe

Biyi is an editor at Soccernet.ng. He has been in the media industry for almost a decade and has worked with top publishers in Nigeria. He loves Sports, Games and Music! biyi@soccernet.com.ng Twitter: @its_biyi

Leave a Comment
Share
Published by
Biyi Akangbe
Tags: BarcelonaOdion Ighalo
6 years ago

Related Post

Recent Posts

17-year-old Nigeria-eligible defender pens professional deal with Chelsea

Teenage English sensation, Olutayo Peter Subuloye, has penned his first professional contract with two-time UEFA… Read More

1 hour ago

Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge boss reveals why Super Eagles star was not selected for Union Saint-Gilloise draw

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not dressed up for Club Brugge's league game against… Read More

2 hours ago

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dances in the face of racist insults in Lecce

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

3 hours ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

3 hours ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

4 hours ago

NPFL: Shooting Stars end ugly 20-year record against Rangers as Remo Stars, Abia Warriors record big wins

Matchday 18 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across the country… Read More

6 hours ago