Why I joined Southampton – Paul Onuachu

The Super Eagles star has been spectacular for Genk in the last three seasons, but he moved to Southampton who are struggling to stay alive in the Premier League 

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has revealed that he joined English Premier League club Southampton because he believes that the league is the best in the world.

Onuachu turned heads when he scored 33 league goals for Genk two seasons ago. However, he remained at Genk despite talks linking him with a move away from Belgium.

The 28-year-old Nigerian goal-poacher struggled to replicate that same numbers last season because of injuries, but he still racked up 21 goals in the Jupiler League.

This season Onuachu struck 16 goals before finally sealing a surprise transfer to Premier League strugglers Southampton during the January transfer window.

The former FC Midtjylland man has a tough task of helping the Saints stay up this season, but he has revealed that he is ready to help his side.

“I think I’m at the right age and I think I had to take this challenge and test myself, to impact my team,” Onuachu told Southampton's website.

“Hopefully we do something great together.

“It’s a decision I took because coming to Southampton and playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world.

“I’m coming to really impact my own team – it’s something big for me in my career. I have always followed the Premier League, watching it week in week out, seeing the games.

“It’s a whole different ball game, the intensity, the duels. Every player dreams of playing in the Premier League, and of course, I’m happy to be here. I think I have the physique, I have the height, I have the size. Let the battle begin,” the big Super Eagles striker said.

Southampton are rock bottom on the Premier League table. But they are three points away from safety. A few good games could put the Saints in a good position, and Onuachu would look to make that happen.