Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo is currently playing his football for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal and he would love a route back into the Premier League.
The first Nigerian to play for United took a pay cut to move to the club he’d supported all his life. He made 12 league appearances for the club, but Ighalo was mostly used for matches in the Europa League and FA Cup.
Unfortunately for Ighalo, he did not win any trophies during his time at Old Trafford and COVID-19 also cut his deal short. The striker still looks back at his time with pride, having represented the club he’s been watching since childhood.
He told ESPN: “In years to come, you need something to show your children… I have been talking to my children about Manchester United, the experience.
“I left Old Trafford with pride, with my head up, because it was my dream team and not everybody’s dream comes to pass. 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 Nigerian, who scored five goals for United, says he had no regrets about his time at Old Trafford.
“The atmosphere in Old Trafford is different,” he added. “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.
“So, 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.
“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.
“Even when they are struggling, I will still support them because it is Red Devils all the way.”
Ighalo had the chance to join West Ham or West Ham before moving to Saudi Arabia, but he turned it down, yet he would now accept a return to the Premier League with open arms.
“Of course, the Premier League is the best league in the world and if I have the opportunity to go back, why not, I will grab it with both hands.
“But for now, I am happy where I am and looking forward to playing week in, week out. If an opportunity comes again in the Premier League, I will study it and if it is good for me, why not?”