Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo revealed that he would grab an opportunity to return to the English Premier League ‘with both hands’ and says that he is grateful for his time at Manchester United ‘every day of my life.’
Ighalo, who now plays for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, was the first Nigerian to play for Man United when he moved there on a loan deal in 2020.
Speaking to ESPN, the Nigerian international described the Premier League as ‘the best league in the world’ and declared: ‘if I have the opportunity to go back, why not?’
‘I left Old Trafford with pride, with my head up, because it was my dream team and not everybody’s dream comes to pass,’ he revealed. ‘Mine came to pass so every day of my life, I’m grateful.
‘To be the first Nigerian to play there and so far the only Nigerian, those are great achievements for me and I did well so I’m happy for that.’
The 32-year-old took a pay cut in order to move to the Premier League and play for the team he has supported since childhood, but the COVID-19 pandemic ended his deal with the Red Devils prematurely.
Safety measures and a disputed calendar meant Ighalo only played in 23 fixtures, but he had the opportunity to play in both the Europa League and FA Cup before his contract was cut short after just shy of one full year.
During that time he scored five goals for the club and insists he has only fond memories from his time at United.
‘I thank God I played for the biggest club in the world, it’s an achievement for me and when you say, “what I should do better?'” I think I did everything I should do. I worked hard, I scored a few goals and I’m happy,’ he said.
‘I don’t have one regret, I have zero regrets for my time at Manchester United. They are still my team till today and I’m going to support that team to death’
Ighalo’s support for his childhood club appears to be unwavering, adding that ‘even when they are struggling, I will still support them because it is Red Devils all the way.’
Reflecting on his Premier League career, Ighalo – who also scored 39 goals in 99 games for Watford, added: ‘In years to come, you need something to show your children. I have been talking to my children about Manchester United, the experience.
‘The atmosphere in Old Trafford is different. It is a big club. If you’re not inside, you don’t know how big the club is. It is a massive, massive, massive club.’
Having recently joined Al Hilal from Saudi rivals Al Shabab, the forward says he wants to help them continue their title-winning traditions and claimed ‘it’s up to me to join the guys and keep winning trophies.’
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
