Nigeria international striker Odion Ighalo has say he left English Premier League side Watford for Chinese team Chanchung Yatai in January because he wasn’t getting games, and even when he gets to play he is usually played out of position.
“My second season in the Premier League was not that great, we had a new manager and new system, which meant I played on the left and sometimes on the right. It was difficult, everything was not going right and I did not find it easy.
“I did not get much playing time and so I had to leave, and it didn’t matter where I went to.
“I didn’t want problem with my manager. It was difficult for me as I wanted to stay in the Premier League.
“I had a great time with Watford, from the Championship to Premier League.
“The fans still close to my heart, the players. I wake up 3am in China to watch Watford play, they are great team with a great manager, they can only get better.”
Heavily linked with a move to fellow English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion when he left Watford, Ighalo revealed he got a better offer from Chinese side Chanchung Yatai after West Brom failed to meet Watford’s asking price for his transfer fee.
“West Brom did not meet Watford valuation but when the Chinese offered £20m, it was not bad cash for Watford. I moved (to China) because that was what was best for me,” Ighalo revealed during an interview with Sky Sports monitored by Owngoalnigeria.com
He also advised Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere to leave the club to a team where he is sure of getting games in order to force his way into the World Cup plans of England manager Gareth Southgate.
“For him (Wilshere) to get more games and to be ready for the World Cup, he has to play more so if he’s still there and he’s not getting the opportunities to play, I’d advise him to leave,” Ighalo said .
“He’s a very good player, he can’t be there sitting on the bench. If he cannot play at Arsenal, he can play at any other big team in the Premier League.”
Michael James
