Ex-U-23 captain, Ighalo, departs ‘home’ Granada for Watford

Former junior international, Odion Ighalo, has left Granada CF of Spain for English Championship side, Watford.

Ighalo, who was loaned to Granada in the 2009 summer as part of the partnership agreement between Udinese and the Spanish club, played a large part in the team beating the drop to the second division.

The 25-year-old released a long and emotional farewell message to the fans of Granada after the transfer was confirmed.

“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,” Ighalo said.

“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.”