NIGERIA'S IGHALO JOINS WATFORD ON LOAN

English Championship club, Watford, have signed striker Odion Ighalo on a one-year loan deal from Serie A side Udinese.

Nigeria's Ighalo joins Watford on a one-year loan

The 25-year-old has been a regular on loan at Granada since arriving at Udinese back in 2008.

Ighalo, a former Nigeria Under-20 international, has also spent a loan spell in Italy with Cesena.

"I am happy, since I first got the call from the president I’ve been very happy. It’s a good opportunity to help the team gain promotion to the Premier League,” he told the club's official website.

"Two seasons ago I watched the play-offs when they almost gained promotion, and I was following Watford because it’s the same owner as Granada and Udinese.

"Even last season, I’ve been watching their games a lot and they’re a good team. I’m here to help the team, to do my best and make sure we work hard and gain promotion.

"I’m here to put on a Watford shirt now. I have to defend this jersey until the last minute and until we get our promotion."

Following his move, Ighalo penned an emotional statement to Granada fans.

"Now that I have just signed for Watford, I want to thank the president, board of directors, colleagues and staff of Granada CF, their great fans and this marvellous city. From the very first day I arrived here, they have made me feel at home.

“It’s difficult for me after five seasons, knowing that I won’t be at the club for the next season. It’s also difficult explaining to my sons that their father has to change teams and won’t be playing at Granada, a club with whom they feel identified with and even though they’re only young.

“I also leave behind great friends, who I won’t forget.

“The greatest thing that I take with me in my heart, is knowing that I leave this great team in the Primera, which was always my challenge from the first day I stepped on the pitch at Nuevo Los Cármenes.

“I feel very proud to have achieved something very important in the footballing world, which was achieving two consecutive promotions and I’ll never forget how well I’ve been treated, both by the club and the fans I encountered, every time I walked down the street…

“I will always feel a part of Granada and wherever I am, I’ll be following the games as another fan and whenever I can, I’ll be back to watch them.

“Finally, I thank God for giving me this great opportunity and hope that life takes me down new paths, achieving the same success I’ve enjoyed here, because although I’ll be many miles from Granada, it will always be my second home."

The Nigerian forward bagged 17 goals in 27 games as Granada topped Segunda B in 2009/10 and since then has played regularly for the Spanish side in the Segunda Division and the top tier – Primera Division – following Granada’s promotion in 2010/11.