Striker Henry Onyekuru has opened up on the challenges he faced while he was with French giants, AS Monaco.
The striker, who was part of the Nigerian contingent to the 2019 Africa Cup on Nations in Egypt, said his transfer to Monaco from Everton, whom he joined from Eupen, was determined by the Toffees’ chiefs.
The former Anderlecht man said due to the nature of his contract, he did not have a say on his destination.
Onyekuru told SporxEksta, “I didn’t get a work permit in Everton and my head wasn’t there either. I had no plans to go to Monaco; this was not a planned move.
“I was about to return to Galatasaray after the African Cup, but the Everton Sporting Director called me and said he had found a new club for me.
“They (Everton) were having talks in Turkey; they told me that it was impossible for me to get the rent twice.
“I knew they wanted me to go to Monaco. There was no other choice but to go. I didn’t want to force it, cause a crisis.
“I could return to Everton and practice alone and I didn’t want that. It was not my decision to go to Monaco; I wanted to return to Galatasaray.”
The Super Eagles star said he later found life in Ligue 1 with Monaco under manager Leonardo Jardim challenging, and with less playing time, he had to request for a loan move.
“Things did not go as planned in Monaco. I had problems with Jardim.
“He told me that after my second match, he switched to a system with double form and no winger. My normal position, the left wing, was no longer needed. He asked me to keep calm and work.”
Onyekuru is presently on loan to Super Lig side Galatasaray S.K. where he has scored two goals in seven games with two assists according to Transfermarkt.com