Odion Ighalo breaks silence on how he took a pay cut to join Man United, prayed against rivals missing out to get the chance to play for his dream club.
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has shared the extraordinary story of how he took a pay cut to join his dream club, Manchester United in a candid interview on Rasheedat Ajibade's Rash4Christ Podcast.
The Nigerian striker, who became the first Nigerian to play for United, revealed that he was willing to sacrifice financially to wear the iconic red jersey.
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Rasheedat Ajibade heats up with Odion Ighalo: Super Falcons star opens up podcast in style
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"I got a pay cut to go to Manchester United but I didn’t care. I just told my agent ‘Make the deal work, even if they don’t give me money to play, I just wanna wear that jersey - an ex or current Man United player.’ It was a dream," Ighalo explained in the video shared on social media.
When his agent informed him that Manchester United was interested in signing him on loan due to injuries to key players like Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, Ighalo's excitement was palpable.
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However, he was initially the third option among four potential signings. Undeterred, he turned to prayer:
"I started praying against those options. I said those options will not work. I stayed in my room and said ‘those options will not work, my dreams of playing for Manchester United will come to pass’."
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Two days later, Ighalo's prayers seemed to be answered when his agent called to confirm that United wanted to proceed with his signing.
Ighalo's move to Manchester United was completed on a six-month loan deal in February 2020 from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, and he was handed the number 25 squad number.
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Reflecting on the moment, Ighalo said, "I prayed, prayed and two days after, my agent called to say they want to go for you because the other options weren’t working. I said ‘thank you God.’ I still didn’t believe my eyes. When I saw the offer they sent, the letter headed paper, Manchester United, goose pimples came out of my body."
This temporary move was designed to bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad for the remainder of the season, providing a different attacking option.
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Throughout his time at United, Ighalo consistently expressed his deep affection for the club, which he supported since childhood.
His dream of playing for Manchester United became a reality, and he has spoken fondly of his experiences, even after his loan spell ended.
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Despite the challenges and pay cut, Ighalo's determination and faith ultimately led him to achieve his lifelong ambition.