Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has disclosed how he helped William Troost-Ekong secure a move to Watford.
Ighalo, who was an unused substitute in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against the Red Devils, spent two-and-a-half years at Watford, scoring 33 times in 82 appearances.
However, the 31-year-old forward has witnessed a dip in form since he notched up five goals in his first four consecutive start for the United.
Ighalo, who helped Troost-Ekong in making a decision to complete his permanent switch from Serie A club Udinese to Vicarage Road in September.
“Ekong is a nice guy, I know him from the national team, and he played in Udinese too, like I played in Udinese,” Ighalo said.
“Before he came to Watford, he sent me messages saying Gino (Pozzo) wanted him to come to Watford.
“Gino told him how I came from Granada to help the team gain promotion to the Premier League and wants him to do the same thing.
“I told him he had to go to Watford, that Watford is one of the best family clubs.
“I played there for two-and-a-half years and had an amazing time, they took care of me and had no problems. He said okay and that he would think about it.
“I’m happy for him and happy he’s doing well, that’s the most important thing. I hope Watford keep doing well and gain promotion to the Premier League because that’s where they belong.”
The duo met for the first time since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, when the Super Eagles won bronze in Egypt, after which Ighalo called time on his international career.
Troost-Ekong, who saw 76 minutes of action before he was replaced said he felt great to see the Manchester United striker.
The Watford defender tweeted: “Great to see my big brother Odion Ighalo! Keep flying the flag for us” .
The former Watford star man will be leaving Manchester United by the end of January and has attracted interest from clubs in Europe and the middle-east.
Great to see my big brother @ighalojude! Keep flying the flag for us 🇳🇬😁 pic.twitter.com/xFUXTZID3g
— William Troost-Ekong (M.F.R) (@WTroostEkong) January 10, 2021
It was Scott McTominay’s early strike in the fifth minute that separated both teams at Old Trafford as the Red Devils knocked out the Championship club.
