Ighalo: Man United move made my mum cry amid celebrations
Former Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo has revealed that his dream switch to Manchester United sparked tears of joy from his mother as well as celebrations in Nigeria.
The 30-year-old Ighalo completed a surprise loan move from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua on transfer deadline day in January.
The former Watford striker accepted a pay cut to make the temporary move to Old Trafford, explaining that he could not pass up the opportunity to join the club he supported as a boy.
Ighalo will also become the first Nigerian footballer to play for Red Devils, and has spoken of the pride his move has elicited back home.
"I never thought this move would happen but dreams do come true." ♥️@IghaloJude's first #MUFC interview is a treat 👇
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 5, 2020
Speaking about his dramatic deadline day switch, Ighalo told MUTV: “I was excited.
“I called my mum and she was happy, crying and all that, this is your dream and all that and I’m happy for you.
“It was dramatic, I didn’t sleep through, I was very happy that finally we got the deal done.”
— Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) February 4, 2020
Reacting further on being the first Nigerian to play for Man United, Ighalo said: “I’m really proud. I’m happy because people keep sending me messages, I know that this is very big, you’re going to be the first Nigerian to play for United, it’s a good record for you in your career, I know that.
“I know that, after you finish football, you are going to know what we are talking about, because I’m just so emotional right now, so I don’t think about those things too much. I just want to get started and get playing and start helping the team to do well.
“[The reaction] was crazy because, all over the news for the last few days, is about my deal to Man United.
“Even the street I grew up on, they are doing parties, celebrating Ighalo signing for United.
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“They sent me the video, I was just laughing and happy, because many of them are supporting Man United and some of them are supporting some other teams in the Premier League.
“But they said, because of me, they are moving to United, because they have a very big fan-base in Nigeria.
“So I am happy about all this and they are rooting for United from now on,” Ighalo summed up.