Lionel Messi cost Man Utd flop Odion Ighalo transfer before Saudi Arabia U-turn

‘The best player to ever don boots’: Lionel Messi unveiled to Inter Miami’s fans

Former Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo has blamed Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami for not being awarded a new contract. The Nigerian striker saw his time in the Saudi Pro League cut short after only a year at Al-Hilal.

Prior to joining MLS side Inter Miami, Messi was linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia. The deal was touted after the Argentine’s contract was agreed not to be extended following a two year spell with Paris Saint-Germain.

According to reports Messi was set to earn a staggering £777million ($1bn) after an offer from Al-Hilal. He would have become football’s highest ever earner by a considerable amount.

The deal would have eclipsed that of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr which is worth around £177m ($220m) a year. While Messi’s proposed wage would have greatly benefitted the World Cup winner, his would-be teammates had already felt the knock-on effect caused by such a lucrative contract.

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo saw his contract at Al-Hilal cut short after just one year at the club and believes that Messi’s rumoured transfer was the reason behind missing out on an extension.

Speaking to sports journalist Oma Akatugba, the 34-year-old said: “I’m shocked [Messi didn’t go to Saudi Arabia] because it was part of why my contract was not being extended. We didn’t agree but I thought it was a done deal because of the money they were offering in Saudi.”

Akatugba added: “It’s incredible he was going to be earning more than Ronaldo,” before Ighalo claimed the offer was twice as much as the Portuguese star is earning. “I was shocked he didn’t go there, but he chose Miami,” Ighalo said.

Don’t miss…
Roberto Firmino fires Saudi team to 18-0 win and gets new partner in crime[LATEST]
The Open chief holds contrasting positions on Donald Trump and Saudis[REPORTS]
Bruno Fernandes poised for Man Utd honour Ronaldo never had after Saudi snub[REVEALED]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The Nigerian striker is currently without a club having played for 14 different sides over an 18-year career. Starting off in his home nation at Osun United F.C. the striker went on to feature at such clubs as Udinese, Watford and Manchester United.

Ighalo has spent the last two years in the Saudi Pro League, first with Riyadh based Al Shabab FC before a move to Al-Hilal.

The striker impressed during his two years in Saudi, scoring 22 times and registering four assists in 32 games for the side. He continued his impressive form at Al-Hilal with 43 goals and seven assists in 60 games.

Source: Read Full Article