Ighalo insists on Watford, snubs Atletico Madrid

Nifemi Daniel

Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has dismissed transfer speculations to Atletico Madrid and AS Roma while insisting that he is not ready to leave Watford during the January transfer window.

Atletico Madrid sent scouts to watch the Nigerian striker on five occasions this season, according to The Sun, and were willing to table a £12-million bid for him.

However, the 26-year-old who has scored 14 Premier League goals this season expressed confidence in the ability of Watford to end the season on a bright note.

“When the focus is on a strong finish, transfer talk will not get to you. I want to finish the season strongly with Watford and prove that we have a good bunch of players here,” the former Udinese star told BBC Sport.

Ighalo’s goals have helped lift Watford to ninth in the Premier League on their return to the top flight.

“Watford are doing well at the moment because we have a fantastic team and not because of one particular player.

“We didn’t get the result we deserved against Tottenham but we want to put that right against Man City – that’s what is in front of me right now,” added Ighalo.

“It’s a new year in front of our fans, I want to keep scoring for my team and fight hard alongside my team-mates.”

Speaking on his goal scoring records, Ighalo said, “I haven’t really bothered myself about statistics because I’ve always had my feet on the ground and I never forget where I come from.”

He further stressed that: “I am just focused on getting better, doing things right on the pitch and being myself on the pitch.”

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now