Shanghai Shenhua new signing Odion Ighalo says the opportunity to play for Quique Sanchez Flores again was the reason he joined the Chinese Super League giants.
The 29-year-old former Udinese joined Shenhua from relegated side Changchun Yatai which was relegated, which means he will link up his former manager Sanchez Flores under whom he enjoyed an impressive goalscoring run in his debut Premier League season at Watford.
“It’s important to sort my club future and I’m happy that it comes with a great opportunity to play under coach Quique again,” Ighalo told BBC Sport .
“From the beginning, he made it clear that he wanted me and I completely understand what that means.“
“We’ve had some good times together and importantly it’s good to continue in a league you’ve come to understand, so I am really excited.”
Ighalo scored 15 times in 37 games for Watford under the Spaniard tactician tutelage and the pair also won the Premier League player and manager of the month awards back in December 2015 which was a first time ever for anybody from the club.
The Super Eagles number one striker also thanked his former side Changchun Yatai and former Eagles Forward Obafemi Martins for the role they played in the transfer.
“I thank Changchun Yatai for the love, support and everything we shared together in two amazing years. I wish the club all the best in what lies ahead,” he continued.
“Right now, I want to give my best to Shanghai Shenhua and make important contributions.
“I also had a good chat with Obafemi Martins [former Shenhua striker] and he gave me an insight on life, football, the club and it’s fan base. Now I know what to expect.”
Ighalo scored 21 goals last season in the Chinese Super League to finish as second top scorer in the league.
Comment here