Ola Aina says he has no regrets leaving Torino to represent Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations early this year in Cameroon.
Aina featured regularly for Torino during the first half of the campaign, but confined to the bench following his return from the AFCON.
The 25-year-old made just appearances for Torino during the second half of the season.
“My season was up and down. The first half from August before I left for the Afcon was okay, a few good performances and some things in those games I think were quite nice as well,” Aina told BBC Sport Africa.
“And then after the Afcon things really slowed up for me.
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“I wasn’t being selected in the starting XI and playing games wasn’t free flowing as prior, but I have no regrets whatsoever.”
Aina further stated that he is not certain where he will play his football next season.
“Nothing is really clearer, but hopefully in a few weeks I’d know exactly what I am working towards,”Aina added.
“Obviously a player wants to go to a place or team where they can play regularly. For me that’s a must and I wouldn’t look anywhere if I am not trying to play regularly or if I can’t force myself to play regularly.
“For the future, I just want to be able to play at the highest level for the biggest clubs possible. That’s a dream and aspiration of mine, so hopefully something happens.
“We’ll see what the future holds, and hopefully whatever team it is or whether I stay at Torino, they will understand that the African Cup of Nations and playing for my country is a big part of my career and life, so I will be hoping to continue to play for Nigeria without any problems.”
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COMMENTS
You did well Aina… A better offer will come
Imagine Aina and others making sacrifices like this to come fight for the SE jersey, and then their bonuses and other entitlements go unpaid!
Apparently, this guy was being victimized for coming to represent his country if I can read between the lines. He is not saying what he said for nothing… CAF needs to adjust its time table or the timing of AFCON to fall in what the players can manage with their clubsides. AFCON is a major competition/championship but club managers don’t view it as such and only our players bear the brunt when they choose to come to play for their country against the wishes of their clubs. CAF should make it easy for the players by adjusting the timing of the competition so the players will not have to worry of losing their shirts when they come down.
Small time, one ex-player will come and say Foreign born playere are not always committed as if Dennis didn’t choose the club ahead of country back then. Aina, it’s paying of already as u are the best right back now in the whole Naija. U shall get a better club leave them, let them continue fighting relegations as it has been the case for the past 3 seasons. Torino Ko, Totori ni.