Odion Ighalo reveals how Lionel Messi pursuit caused his Al Hilal exit
Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo has revealed how Al Hilal pursuit of Lionel Messi contributed to his exit from the Saudi Arabian club at the end of the season.
Ighalo finished as Al Hilal’s top-scorer but his contract was not renewed with the club eyeing a mega move for Argentine Superstar Lionel Messi who was set to leave PSG.
Al Hilal submitted a mega offer for Messi but the Argentine opted to join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami , a choice Ighalo expressed surprise for.
In an interview with sports journalist Oma Akatugba, the former Manchester United forward said “I’m shocked Messi didn’t go to Saudi Arabia because it was part of the reasons my contract was not being extended [with Al-Hilal]. I thought it was a done deal.”
On the offer Al Hilal submitted for Lionel Messi, Ighalo described as shocking that the forward ignored the crazy offer to head to the United States.
“The money they were offering him in Saudi [Arabia] was crazy. He was going to earn twice what Ronaldo was earning. I was shocked he didn’t go there. He chose Miami. ” Ighalo concluded.
