Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo has openly admitted to facing difficulties during his debut season with Southampton.
Aribo, who joined the Saints following his impressive performances for Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers, endured a challenging campaign on the South Coast. Despite scoring two goals in 21 league appearances, the 26-year-old found it frustrating as he aimed to make a strong impact and help the team.
Speaking on the Planet Sport Football Africa podcast while reflecting on the past season, Aribo expressed his disappointment at not being able to fulfill his personal goals and contribute significantly to the team. Southampton also suffered the setback of relegation from the highly competitive Premier League, further adding to Aribo’s frustrations.
Describing the season as a period of learning, Aribo acknowledged that he needed to go through this challenging experience for a reason, although he is currently questioning that reason. Nonetheless, he maintained a strong belief in God and put his faith in the higher power’s plan.
Recent reports have linked Aribo with a potential return to his former club, Rangers. This move could provide him with an opportunity to revive his career and rediscover the form that earned him recognition before joining Southampton. As speculation surrounds his future, Aribo remains determined to overcome the difficulties he faced and make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
With his undeniable talent and resilience, Aribo’s performances will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. As he continues to navigate his football journey, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian midfielder’s career will unfold and whether a return to Rangers could be on the cards.