Odion Ighalo’s agent, Patrick Bastianelli, has come forward to explain why the Ajegunle-born striker has found success in his career and earned the opportunity to play for Manchester United.
The 30-year-old former Watford striker has made a significant impact at United after joining from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, scoring four goals and contributing to United’s fifth-place position in the Premier League before the suspension of football in England due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Bastianelli, Ighalo’s hard work over the years and his positive outlook on life are the key factors behind his success at Manchester United, a club he has supported since childhood.
Ighalo started his European career in 2007 with Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, having previously played for Prime and Julius Berger in the Nigerian league. He later moved to Italian club Udinese and had loan spells at Granada and Watford before permanently joining Watford in 2014, where he scored 33 league goals in 82 appearances. In 2017, he moved to China before joining Manchester United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January.
“Odion is reaping the rewards of his many sacrifices over the years, especially in Europe. Manchester is a testament to everything he has demonstrated in recent years,” Bastianelli told Italian news outlet Tuttosport on Tuesday.
“It’s part of his character, his great dedication,” he added. “He has scored numerous goals. He always maintains a positive attitude.
“Odion is someone who always looks forward, always with a positive mindset.”
Speaking about the moment Ighalo scored his first goal for United in the 5-0 Europa League second leg victory over Club Brugge at Old Trafford, his agent said: “It was also surreal for us to see his reaction, the joy in his eyes. Unbelievable.”