Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has disclosed the real reason behind his decision to retire from International duty.
The 30-year-old forward took Nigerians by suprise when he abruptly announced that he will no longer feature for the Super Eagles, after his five-star performance in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he emerged as the top scorer.
He also played a key role in the West African’s third place finish in the competition.
The former Watford marksman has however cleared the air on why he left the fans so heartbroken, but promised to return in due time.
In an interview with Brila FM, Ighalo confirmed that he was in regular contact with the Super Eagles coach and Amaju Pinnick, and hinted he could reverse his decision to end his international career.
“I am still in contact with Gernot Rohr and Amaju Pinnick, and they congratulated me on my loan deal,” Ighalo told Brila FM.
“I am still thinking about returning to the national team, but right now I want to concentrate on my club career.
“I left the national team because of the distance between Nigeria and China, but now that I am in Manchester and just like life and in my career, you never can tell.”
Meanwhile, if Ighalo should return to the national team, he will face a very stiff competition, as the position he vacated has since been occupied by a more deadly forward called Osimhen.
In just eight International games, the 21-year-old youngster has scored four goals to demonstrate how lethal he could be in front of goal.
