Former Manchester United Striker, Odion Ighalo has revealed that he felt frustrated sitting on the bench during Premier League games under manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Ighalo, who recently joined Saudi Arabia clubside, Man United.in the January transfer window, told BrilaFM in an interview that he would love to extend his contract with the Red Devils if he was given regular playing time.
Despite his lack of playing time, the Nigerian international said that he holds no grudges with the Norwegian tactician.
“There were “frustration” and often times “pain”, Ighalo said.
“I would have stayed at Manchester United if I was offered a new contract and guaranteed game time,” Ighalo said.
“Every player wants to play, but I always respect my Coach. I’m a hard worker in training and in actual game situations, It’s painful though but the decision is not yours as the footballer.
“No player wants to be on the bench particularly when you know you are fit or even better than those selected ahead of you.
“But, I respect Ole he was really good to me and gave me the chance to live my dream. I can’t feel bad or hold any grudge.”
By Augustine Akhilomen
7 Comments
What happened to Odion at Manchester was disgraceful. United signed him but the coachwas hell bent on humiliating him and Nigeria. The Norwegian was telling us tnat our best was not good enough for United. The reasons cannot be about football alone.Someday we will know the truth.
Yes you are right
Pls how is it disgraceful??
First ever Nigerian to play for Man Utd the biggest club in England na moimoi??
Not even the legendary Yekini, the, the supremely gifted Jay Jay or the precociously talented King KANU managed that feat
Odion is far better than greenwood and some united players.
I need to charge commission anytime anyone uses the phrase ‘far better than’ on this platform.
White coaches will respect African black players more when a Subharan African nation wins world cup… Sadly we have seen officiating politics in the past even at that global stage. Odion Ighalo was never thought of much by Ole Gunner Solksjaer