Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo hopes to remain at Watford next season, saying he is “happy to stay if they want me to stay”.
The 26-year-old is coming off a great season with the Hornets in the English Premier League as he scored 15 league goals as the club finished 14th in the standings.
However, he was linked with a move away from Vicarage Road midway through the season with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal mentioned as possible destinations.
Club owner Gino Pozzo’s decision to fire manager Quique Sanchez Flores at the end of the season has also thrown a question mark over the future of several players, but Ighalo can see himself playing for Watford again next season.
In an interview with BBC’s Sport Today he said: “I have a four-year contract with Watford [and] I am happy if they want me to stay. It is dependent on the manager who is coming in.
“You know the manager comes with his own views and his own ideas so I will have to talk with the manager and know what his plans are. And talk to my agent because he will sit down with the club to discuss my future.
“The fans love me and I love the fans. They supported me when I was not doing well. They stood by me in bad moments so I am happy to stay at Watford if they want me to stay.”
As for the decision to get rid of Sanchez Flores after he guided them to safety, Ighalo admits he was not surprised by the decision.
“Quique has done a good job for the team [but] the owner believed it was not enough,” he said. “I think he knows best as since I’ve come to Watford I have played under five managers, I think it’s six now. I’m not surprised Quique is going.
“But I feel for Quique because he has done a great job, taking the team to the semi-final of the FA Cup and the team will be playing in the Premier League again next season. But I am happy with whatever manager comes in next season.”
Via News 24
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