By Ephraim Nwosu
High-flying Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo, says he does not in any way regret his decision to move to China when he did, as he is enjoying his stay in the Asian country where he laces boots for Shanghai Shenhua.
The ex-Flying Eagles captain has come under attack from several of his admirers for dumping Premiership side, Watford, to pitch tent with the Chinese Super League club.
Prior to his move to the Asian country, Ighalo was reported to be on the wanted list of Barcelona,Tottenham Hotspur and several European giants, following his goal-scoring prowess in England.
Two seasons after he shocked the world to reject the mouth-watering offers, he has confessed that he made the right decision to join Shanghai Shenhua from relegated Chinese Super League (CSL) side, Changchun Yatai.
READ ALSO: JAMB records 4.01 % drop in applications received in 2018 – NBS
In an exclusive chat with The Nigerian Xpress Sports at his new multi-million naira mansion in Lekki, Lagos State, Ighalo said going to China when he did was a perfect decision.
The Edo-born player, who grew up in Ajegunle area of Lagos State, said: “I don’t have any reason to regret leaving England to play in China. I think I made the right move and don’t care what anybody says about it. I just want to thank my family, my mentor, Daniel Ededuan, and friends for their prayers but most especially, Almighty God for His favour and mercy. On Eagles, I will continue to give my all for my country whenever I’m called upon as well as my club where I work. The Chinese League is physical and tough. It is also pertinent to note that it has attracted some of the biggest names in world football and the coming of these stars has improved the quality of the game in the country.
On the whole, I would say, so far so good. It’s been a sweet experience and I’m enjoying life in China. Sonia (my wife) and our three lovely kids have fully settled down in China. Shanghai Shenhua is doing everything within its power to make them feel at home and they are happy with life over there.”
READ ALSO: Foods that help sexual performance
On rumours making the rounds that he was planning to stage a return to England, Ighalo stated: “It’s not true. It’s just the usual transfer rumours, though in football you never can tell because anything can happen. All the same, I want to stay and achieve great things in China. So, I’m training and working hard towards that. I’m still a Shanghai Shenhua player; I have contract with the team till 2022. It’s a massive club and the fans are awesome and very passionate about their team. They love me and I love them too. So, it won’t be an easy decision to leave so early. “I’m proud to be their player.’’
He said his dream was to help his club win domestic league and cup titles in China before thinking of seeking new challenges elsewhere.
“Well, as a professional player, I’m working every day to get better and I want to continue and build up from where I stopped last season with 21 league goals. It may not be an easy task this season but with God on my side everything is achievable.
“It’s my dream to play in the Asian Champions League as well as other top flight tournaments and move on from there. I just want to prove a point. I’m in China for business and not to admire their beautiful cities.’’
