How Messi’s influenced my Al-Hilal departure, says Ighalo

Former Manchester United loanee Odion Ighalo has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his departure from Al-Hilal.

Ighalo has revealed that the Saudi Arabia club’s interest in signing Lionel Messi played a significant role in their decision not to offer him a new contract this summer.

Having spent 18 months with the former Asian champions, Ighalo had established himself as the club’s leading goal scorer during his tenure.

His impressive performances in the league resulted in 19 goals and two assists in just 27 games for Al-Hilal during the recently concluded campaign. However, despite his contributions, the club surprisingly opted not to extend his contract.

Ighalo has now disclosed that the potential signing of Barcelona legend and 2022 World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, influenced Al-Hilal’s decision.

The Argentina captain was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Professional League following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, with a potential return to his boyhood club, Barcelona, also widely rumoured.