Sports

Odion Ighalo pens emotional tribute to Man United fans after his dream at Old Trafford comes to an end

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 8:41 PM by Mohammed Awal Aba Afful

- Odion Ighalo's deal with Manchester United has come to an end

- The Nigerian joined the Red Devils during the winter transfer window in 2020

- The 31-year-old has now taken to social media to appreciate the club for the opportunity to play for his dream club

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Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo will leave Manchester United a fulfilled footballer following the expiration of his temporary stay at the club.

The 31-year-old former Super Eagles forward arrived at Old Trafford exactly one year ago from Shanghai Shenhua on an initial six months loan deal.

A move the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations highest goals scorer described as a dream come true, however, his reign at the club was extended by another six months after COVID-19 elongated the 2019-20 season.

During his reign, he recorded five goals and one assist in 23 appearances across competitions while also becoming the first player to score in five consecutive starts in over 95 years.

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Odion Ighalo surrounded by five West Ham United players during their Premier League meeting with Manchester United in July 2020. Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United
Source: Getty Images

The former Watford and Granada star has now taken to social media to express his gratitude for the privilege to represent his boyhood club when he had the opportunity. He said on Instagram:

"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 teammates 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.