Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed that he snubbed Monaco, Porto, and Anderlecht in favour of a move to Liverpool in 2015.
Awoniyi first came on to the scene at the 2013 Fifa U-17 World Cup, when he scored four goals to help Nigeria win the competition.
His performances attracted interest from top European clubs before he decided to pitch his tent with Liverpool two years after the competition.
Awoniyi is still waiting for his first appearance for the champions league winners. He has been sent out on loan to six clubs since joining the Reds.
The 22-year-old said he had always wanted a move to England and he never heard about the Belgian and German leagues.
He went on to reveal how Liverpool fought off competition from Monaco, Porto and Anderlecht to win his signature in an Instagram conversation with Eagles Tracker.
“Right from time, I never knew about the Belgian and German league. The only league I have in my head is England, that was where I dream of playing, and even in my prayers, I told God I wanted to play in England.
“For me signing for Liverpool is a test of my faith and that’s why I chose Liverpool,” Awoniyi told Eagles Tracker.
“I signed in 2015, two years after the U17 World Cup, I had series of offers from Monaco, Porto and Anderlecht.
“As at that time, I was to go to Monaco, but the truth is that I was 18, and all of a sudden, Liverpool came into the show.
“Seyi Olofinjana told me Liverpool wanted to sign me since after the World Cup, but when they contacted Nigeria, a lot of people claimed to be my agent, so the interest faded.
“They kept monitoring my progress in the U20 and U23 national teams, and that was when they said it’s time to sign me.
“I must confess that I didn’t know the work permit was this difficult to get. I preferred to go with Liverpool because Monaco said they would still loan me out as well.
“Olofinjana gave me the chance to choose where I want to go, and also I spoke to some coaches and gave them the option, I was advised to choose Liverpool if the two conditions are the same, that’s why I chose Liverpool,” he added.
Awoniyi is currently on loan at Mainz 05 but has made just six Bundesliga appearances for the side,
This post was last modified on May 12, 2020 3:39 pm
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