Aiyegbeni: I Want to End My Football Career in England

Former Super Eagles forward, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, has revealed he wants to end his career in England after signing for Coventry on Monday.

The 34-year-old has a decade of experience in England but in the last five years he has played abroad apart from a brief spell at Reading.

He told BBC Sport: “I left to play in China, Qatar and Turkey, but my family and heart was always in England.

“I’ve always said I would love to end my career in England and that plan is still on track.”

Aiyegbeni has scored 96 Premier League goals – more than any other Nigerian and just five less than the top-ranked African scorer Didier Drogba.

His career in England began 14 years ago and has played in the top flight for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn.

He has now dropped down to League One, where Coventry is rooted to the foot of the table, but is determined to show he can still make an impact.

“My career in England started in 2003 and I have been very lucky to play for some top managers and teams,” Aiyegbeni added.

“Things are quite tough for Coventry City at the moment and I understand what is expected of me.

“I had the opportunity to train with the players here, I see great qualities and believe things can get better.

“I love scoring goals and helping my team-mates to score, together we can lift the club.

“I know this league very well because I have played in it with Leicester City and Reading in the past.”

Coventry City Manager, Russell Slade, further shed light on the signing of Aiyegbeni and believes that the club have landed a player with “a terrific goal record.”

The former Premier League star will stay at the club “on a deal running until May 2017, pending international clearance.”

“We’re pleased to have secured the signing of Yakubu, who brings vast experience and a terrific goal record.

“His professional career speaks for itself, having scored consistently at the highest level of English football, and he will act as a superb role model for the younger players.

“He is astute on the ball, has clear quality and presence and we’ll continue to work on his match fitness as we prepare for the final 16 games of this season,” Slade told the club’s website.

The striker will wear number 22 at Coventry City.

Related Articles