Nigeria midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo says he has no regret over joining Championship side Stoke City ahead of the top flight clubs who shown interest in him.
The former Warri Wolves midfielder signed a five-year deal with the Potters before the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia having stars with Spanish La Liga side Las Palmas on loan from Portuguese side Feirense.
The move came as a surprise to many football fans, who opined that the Super Eagles stars should have taken his time before signing with the World Cup around the corner.
“Many people close to me and some of my friends expressed their disappointment, but I have no regrets joining Stoke City,” Etebo told BBC Sports.
“They all felt I could’ve waited until after the World Cup before making a decision. The fact that I received interesting offers from France, Germany and even Spain got them more upset.
“I love the Stoke City project and I also gave them my word. I always stick to my word. I don’t regret it.”
The 23 year old has been in and out of the Stoke city team who are nine points off the play off spot in the championship, but he believes the championship is more stronger that the two previous league he had played.
“People back home always say the Premier League is hard but the Championship is a tough and demanding league to play in,” he added.
“You could play almost 65 matches in a season, if you include the Cup and play-off games as well.
How is that any easier when you still go out to play international football for your country, too?
“You need to be physically and mentally strong to play in this league. I’ve played in Portugal and Spain, yet here you face a tough job but one I am really enjoying with Stoke.”
Etebo was a key member of Nigeria U-23 team that won bronze medal in Rio 2016 Olympics and also featured at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
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