Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has announced his exit from Manchester United in an emotional farewell message posted on his social media handles.
The Nigerian forward joined the club on a short term loan contract in January 2020 from Chinese Super League outfit, Shanghai Shenua, before the club extended his stay in Manchester for another six months.
Read Also: Just In: Ighalo Agrees To Extend Manchester United Loan Deal Till January 2021
Ighalo, a childhood United fan, found a place in United fans’ hearts for his work ethic and his pride at wearing the famous red shirt.
He scored five goals in 18 appearances during the 2019-20 campaign as he proved a useful back-up option for Man United coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Ighalo became the first Nigerian player to play for Manchester United’s senior team.
In the message, the prolific striker said it was hard to leave Old Trafford, saying it was a pleasure to play for the Manchester club.
Read Also: Ighalo’s Manchester United Loan Set To End May 31st, As Shanghai Shenhua Recalls Player
The 31-year-old striker’s loan from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua expires at the end of this month.
He wrote;
It’s so hard to see this dream come to an end. But I give God the glory for helping me fulfill this life long dream of putting on a Manchester United shirt as a player and represent this great club, it was indeed an honor I will forever cherish and be grateful for.
To the manager, I say thank you for trusting and believing in me when many did not, to my amazing team mates I will miss you guys, it was always fun and a time I look forward to training and spending time with all of you. And I pray we win the LEAGUE and FA cup this year.
To the best fans in the world (the Manchester United fans) we have missed you, but we hear your voices cheering us on from afar, we can’t wait to have you all back on the stands.
I’m still and would remain a MANCHESTER UNITED FAN forever. Once a Red, always a Red.
Thank you @manchesterunited and God bless.
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I love the tone of his message.