Former Manchester United forward, Odion Ighalo, has cited Lionel Messi’s potential move to Inter Miami as the reason for not being awarded a new contract.
Ighalo’s tenure in the Saudi Pro League was cut short after only a year with Al-Hilal.
Before joining MLS side Inter Miami, Lionel Messi was linked to a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Reports suggested he could earn a staggering £777 million ($1 billion) with Al-Hilal, surpassing football’s highest-ever earner by a significant margin.
This rumoured deal had a ripple effect on the club, as Ighalo claims it played a part in his contract not being extended.
The former Manchester United striker expressed his surprise at Messi’s decision to choose Miami over Saudi Arabia.
In a conversation with a sports journalist, the 34-year-old stated, “I’m shocked [Messi didn’t go to Saudi Arabia] because it was part of why my contract was not being extended. We didn’t agree, but I thought it was a done deal because of the money they were offering in Saudi. I was shocked he didn’t go there, but he chose Miami.”
Currently, Ighalo remains without a club after a career spanning 18 years and involving 14 teams,
including Udinese, Watford, and Manchester United. He spent the last two years in the Saudi Pro League, initially with Al Shabab FC before moving to Al-Hilal.
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Ighalo made an impact, scoring 22 goals and providing four assists in 32 games for Al Shabab FC. He continued his impressive form at Al-Hilal with 43 goals and seven assists in 60 games.
