Highly rated Austria Wien latest signing Alhassan Ibrahim popularly called Mu’azam has revealed he almost joined Arsenal few years ago when he burst onto the scene with the Nigeria U17 team in 2013.
Mu’azam was the star of the team during their qualifiers, and his fine form particularly in their first Africa Youth Championship qualifiers against Niger Republic where he scored a hattrick caught the attention of Arsenal.
Speaking to Owngoalnigeria.com, the lanky forward who has two senior national team caps for Nigeria, where he is also an integral member of the B team revealed issues cost him the move.
” I was very close to joining Arsenal in 2013. I met with their scout and we had very good talks but things didn’t work out because of issues outside football”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” One of the issues was my age, I was just 16 then and a move can’t be imminent until I turn 18. I have since put the disappointment behind me. My goal is to do well for Austria Wien.
” So far I have been treated really well, I have little or no choice but to deliver. Hopefully when I start playing games I will put smiles on the faces of my teammates, coaches as well as the fans of the club”.
Osas Mahawi
