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Ighalo reveals why he rejected a Barcelona loan offer in January
Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has revealed why he did not consider a move to Spanish champions, Barcelona, in January.
According to the 29-year old, who finished as the 2018 Chinese Super League second-top scorer, his agent told him about a loan interest from Barcelona and he rejected it.
Ighalo’s 21 goals failed to help his side, Changchun Yatai, remain in the top flight in China, and it was clear he would seek a move away from the relegated side.
His remarkable season as an individual attracted interest from Barcelona, but Ighalo, in an interview with the BBC, said he deserved better than what he was being offered and so he chose to remain in China instead.
“My agent spoke to me about a loan interest from Barcelona. The club wanted a striker with La Liga experience and someone who understands Spanish football,” he said.
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“It was meant to be a six-month loan and strictly as a back-up striker. It was nice to hear that Barcelona were interested and any footballer would be more than happy to take it.
“But with due respect I had just finished as the second top scorer in China with 21 goals, I deserve better and didn’t want to be a short-term player somewhere.
“We rejected it, it was an easy decision to make and I chose to stay in China by joining Shanghai Shenhua on a longer contract,” added Ighalo.
Barca would later turn to Ghana’s Kevin-Prince Boateng who joined on loan for the remainder of the season, while Ighalo signed a three-year deal at Shanghai Shenhua.
The former Watford star, who had also played in Granada, helped Nigeria qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by scoring 7 goals to top the chart in the Qualifiers.
Ighalo says he is happy at Shenhua and insists he has no regret refusing the offer from Barca.
“I have no regrets or whatsoever because I am happy at Shanghai Shenhua. To reunite and play under my former Watford coach [Quique Sánchez Flores] is exciting and I love it,” he stated.
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