Growing up in Nigeria, Ighalo dreamed of one day donning the red of Manchester United.
At the age of 30, he never envisaged that dream coming true until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came calling in desperate need of an experienced striker to help fill the void left by an injury-ravaged front line.
The Nigerian international has become a fan favorite and a local hero at the club. However, the COVID-19 lockdown saw him spend half his loan not playing football.
United was desperate to keep the player until at least the extended season end, and beyond if possible.
His parent club Shanghai Shenhua were not willing to part with there forward on a permanent basis but agreed to extend the deal until January and Ighalo is grateful, to say the least.
He told the United’s official website he is living in a dream.
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Ighalo said:
“I’m really happy, I’m buzzing.”
“Like I’ve said, since I was young, I’ve been supporting this club and playing for it is a dream.”
“Now I’ve extended my loan, it makes it more even clear and I’m committed as I know, in my head, I’m here until January ending.”
“I decided I want to stay and I’m happy. Since the first day I arrived, I made it clear that I wanted whatever it takes to continue that work.”
“It was very difficult, there were some talks, but I’m happy they finally agreed and got everything done. Everything is official now.”
“I’m sending thanks to the Shanghai president and director for the support because they know this is what I want.”
