Odion Ighalo has revealed that he had offers to stay in the Premier League from West Ham and West Brom, but he felt that there was nothing left for him to achieve in England after he had already lived up to his “dream” of playing for Manchester United.
Ighalo joined United in January 2020 as a deadline-day signing from the Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, which came in as an emergency and relief for the club’s existing strikers.
Ighalo did five times for Man Utd while on loan from Shanghai Shenhua | CATHERINE IVILL / Getty Images
The former Watford star became the first Nigerian to play for United and became something of an instant cult hit among fans thanks to early goals in the FA Cup and Europa League. His loan was extended until January 2021, although he rarely presented once Edinson Cavani arrived in the summer.
“After my original loan was extended, I did not play much, which was perhaps a little unfair, but as I said, I am always grateful for the opportunity,” Ighalo told Sky Sports.
“When I joined, I always knew I would not play every game because I signed up as a back-up striker so I knew the playing time would be limited. There were some games where I thought I would play but it’s the coach’s decision and I do not hold anything against anyone. ”
Following the end of his United loan spell, Ighalo has since also left parent club Shanghai Shenhua and now plays for Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia, which is trying to win the Saudi Pro League this season for the first time since 2012.
Ighalo rarely played for Man Utd after his loan was extended | Visionhaus / Getty Images
“There was the possibility for West Ham and West Brom to stay in the Premier League, which I was thinking about,” Ighalo explained. “But after being at Manchester United, the biggest club in England if not the world, what else could I do in the Premier League?
“I had good offers to stay in England, but I just did not think I could stay after achieving my dream of playing for the club I had supported since I was young.
“I came all the way from China because it was Manchester United when I had already turned down other offers because United has always been my dream.
“I’m so happy that my path crossed with Manchester United – it’s the club I love with all my heart and for my whole life so playing for them was a great privilege that I do not take for granted.
Ighalo realized a childhood dream that played for Man Utd | UEFA – Handout / Getty Images
“No matter the circumstances that led me to leave, I will always be grateful to the coach, my teammates, the fans and everyone around Manchester United.”
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