Former Super Eagles and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has opened up about the motivations behind his high-profile move to the Chinese Super League in 2017, and he isn’t sugar-coating it.
Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the Nigerian forward admitted that his £20 million switch from Watford to Changchun Yatai was driven purely by financial security.
“I was 27 at the time,” Ighalo said. “I’d already fulfilled my dream of playing in the Premier League. Growing up in Ajegunle, all I ever wanted was to make enough money to change my family’s life.”
Having spent years watching English football in Lagos viewing centres, Ighalo realised that dream by starring for Watford in the Premier League. But when the offer from China came, it was an opportunity he couldn’t ignore.
“The offer came in and I didn’t think twice. It was life-changing money. Watford accepted the deal before I even said yes, no other team was going to pay that much,” he revealed.
Ighalo signed a four-year deal with Changchun Yatai and hit the ground running, netting 36 goals in just over 50 appearances. His form later earned him a move to Shanghai Shenhua, followed by a surprise loan spell at Manchester United in 2020.
“I only stayed two years in Changchun, then moved to Shanghai on even better terms. After a year there, I joined Manchester United on loan. It all happened because I took that chance.”
Now playing for Al-Wehda in Saudi Arabia, the 35-year-old has no regrets.
“Football gave me a platform. But money gave me security. I made the decision I felt was right at the time, and I’d do it again.”
Ighalo remains one of the few players to speak openly about financial motivations in modern football, and his honesty continues to resonate with fans and aspiring players alike.
