Benson Chukwu
Former Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo has revealed the reason behind his move to Chinese club Changchun Yatai.
He stated that the offer was financially irresistible, prompting his decision.
In 2017, Ighalo departed Watford for a £20 million transfer to the Chinese Super League club, where he netted 36 goals across two seasons.
Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the former Manchester United striker confessed he didn’t hesitate when the lucrative proposal arrived.
“I was 27 then. I had already achieved my dream of playing in the Premier League,” Ighalo said.
“Coming from Ajegunle, I never thought I’d reach such heights. My goal was to earn enough to uplift my family and fulfill my childhood aspiration of playing in the Premier League, which we passionately followed. It’s the most-watched league globally.
“Back then, we’d crowd into viewing centers, paying just to watch games. That dream was already a reality for me, so when China’s offer arrived, it was an opportunity to secure my financial future — and I took it.”
Ighalo revealed that Watford accepted the deal before he even agreed, given its significant value.
“The club agreed to £20 million, a fee no other team would match. I signed a four-year deal with Changchun Yatai but spent two seasons there, scoring 36 goals in about 54 matches. Later, I moved to Shanghai Shenhua on improved terms because of my performance.”
After a season at Shanghai Shenhua, he secured a loan move to Manchester United.
“I spent one year in Shanghai, then went on loan to Manchester United,” Ighalo, now with Al-Wehda in Saudi Arabia, added.
Omotayo Fashola
