Man Utd star says emotional goodbye to ‘the best fans in the world’

Mata.Ighalo.Man_.Utd_.TEAMtalk

Odion Ighalo has written a emotional parting message to Manchester United fans after his one-year loan came to an end.

The striker has only made four appearances this season, but admitted he is gutted not to be staying on at Old Trafford.

The Nigeria international scored five times in 23 appearances in all competitions, but failed to notch in the Premier League.

Speaking about his exit, Ighalo said: “It’s so hard to see this dream come to an end.

“But I give God the glory for helping me fulfill this life long dream of putting on a Manchester United shirt as a player and represent this great club, it was indeed an honor I will forever cherish and be grateful for.

“To the manager I say thank you for trusting and believing in me when many did not. To my amazing team-mates I will miss you guys , it was always fun and a time I look forward to training and spending time with all of you. And I pray we win the LEAGUE and FA Cup this year.

“To the best fans in the world (the Manchester United fans) we have missed you. But we hear your voices cheering us on from afar, we can’t wait to have you all back on the stands.

“I’m still and would remain a MANCHESTER UNITED FAN forever. Once a Red, always a Red.

“Thank you @manchesterunited and God bless.”


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Ighalo hit by Cavani arrival

Ighalo was brought in on loan from Chinese side Shanghai Greenland Shenhua last January.

Odion Ighalo

However, Edinson Cavani’s arrival from PSG last summer pushed Ighalo down the pecking order.

The 31-year-old is under contract with Shanghai until the end of 2021. However, he could find himself back in England if another Premier League club opts for a loan deal.

Ighalo will not be the only United star leaving this month, with Jesse Lingard also expected to move on.

The England midfielder is attracting major interest from West Ham, while Newcastle are also chasing Red Devils left-back Brandon Williams.

READ MORE: Solskjaer feeling grateful; addresses new Utd contract talk