Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has opened up on a tough decision he had to make before moving to a new club during the summer transfer window.
Aribo left Scottish giants Rangers to join English Premier League club Southampton in a five-year permanent deal.
The 26-year-old Nigeria international was reportedly being monitored by other clubs with Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, and West Ham United all linked with the former Charlton Athletic play.
Aribo chose to sign with Southampton, linking up with Ralph Hassenhutl at St. Mary's Stadium in a move that has guaranteed the Super Eagles star a starting berth and regular game time.
However, Aribo disclosed that that came at the price of giving up his dream to play in the Champions League for the time being as he took the decision to play regularly in the Premier League instead.
On giving up European football, Aribo told the official Southampton website: "It's one that I'm not surprised about. I know the Premier League wasn't going to be an easy task.
“It's a dream for me to, of course, play Champions League, but I am also living my dream playing in the Premier League, so it's either or.
“I couldn't have both at the time, so I think for me it's a very good decision."
The former Rangers midfielder revealed that he is trying to relive his experience in Scotland, where every game must be won, at his new club Southampton.
Aribo admitted that though that might not always happen in the Premier League, he still does his best on the pitch because he knows a good performance from him puts Hassenhutl's side in a better position to win.
"For me, I want to win every single game I play in. When I was up there in Scotland, it was a given. You had to win. If you don't win, it's like the end of the world, literally," Aribo explained.
“Playing against teams, you could see the shift in quality in every single team. Every team has got quality.
“If I play well, then it's putting the team in a good position to win a game. It's so important to play well, help the team and affect the game."
Aribo will be back in action for Southampton on Sunday, November 6 when the Saints welcome high-flying Newcastle United to the St. Mary's Stadium at 3:00 p.m Nigerian time.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)