Odion Ighalo has penned down an emotional farewell message on social media as his Manchester United dream comes to an end.
The 31-year-old’s one-year loan at Old Trafford will finish at the end of January when he is due to return to parent club Shanghai Shenhua.
Ighalo scored five goals in 23 appearances across all competitions for United after arriving on Deadline Day last January but has made only two starts this season since Edinson Cavani joined in October.
“It’s so hard to see this dream come to an end,” Ighalo wrote on social media.
“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 teammates I will miss you guys, it was always fun and a time I look forward to training and spending time with all of you.
It’s was a pleasure. Once a Red, always a Red🔴🔴🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/uXVqIXxsAf
— Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) January 26, 2021
The club has also confirmed the striker’s departure.
❤️ @IghaloJude lived his boyhood dream.
He pulled on the famous red shirt. He scored at in front of a packed Old Trafford. He was the first Nigerian to represent the club.
Nothing will ever change that.
Thank you and good luck, Odion — you’ll always be a Red 🔴 pic.twitter.com/FOyMAde2VE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 27, 2021
Ighalo scored four goals in his first three starts for United last season and is hopeful the club can win the Premier League and FA Cup this season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Shanghai Shenhua are prepared to listen to offers for Ighalo with clubs in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey all interested in the former Watford striker. Ighalo’s contract at Shanghai Shenhua runs until December 31.
The winter transfer window is open until Monday, February 1 at 11pm.
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