Nigeria International, Odion Ighalo has opined that most footballers play for financial gain and not passion for the game.
The 34-year-old Super Eagles star made the assertion during a recent interview with popular football journalist, Oma Akatugba.
The former Manchester United forward said the ongoing exodus of global football superstars to the Saudi Arabian league was inspired by money.
Ighalo, who was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League in the 2021/2022 season, insisted that it was the main reason behind Cristiano Rolando’s record-breaking move to Al Nassr.
“Those players that would come out and say, we are playing football for passion this and all that, bro, it’s money [they are playing for]. At the end of it all, we are all playing [football] for money.
“Look at those that are going to Saudi Arabia, big players. Ronaldo, is it passion he is still playing for? Ronaldo has made hundred times what I’ve had in my life, he still went to Saudi Arabia. So you want to tell me it’s passion? It’s for money, bro,” he said.
In entertainment news, Nigerian singer, Peter Okoye also known as Mr P, has revealed that original career path he wanted to follow in his youth was football and not music.
He stated this through his official Twitter page while recounting his days as a footballer in Jos, Plateau state.
Mr P, who said that he still wishes he was playing football, however, noted that he is grateful for becoming a successful musician.
He then gave a philosophical analysis of the reality, saying that when life changes the trajectory of ones life, it is fun to see how the future unfolds.
Peter shared a throwback photo of the team he played for and wrote; “Was suppose to be a Soccer Player or a professional footballer. But today I am grateful to be a professional and successful Musician/Artiste.
When life changes the direction of your future, it might be fun to see where those new horizons take you. But i still wished I was playing football tho😑 God bless us all in all we do☺️🙏🏽🙃”