Stoke City of England summer signing, Oghenekaro Etebo has denied reports that he is harbouring regrets over what has been tagged a ‘hasty deal’ he agreed with the relegated club just before the World Cup in Russia.
With the battling midfielder going on to enact an incredible outing in Russia, where he set early marks in high s]individual statistics and was largely ranked Nigeria’s best player at the tournament, analysts believe he would have got a bigger deal after the Mundial.
However, rather than consent to such conclusions, Etebo says he has no regrets about signing for Stoke before the World Cup, as he says The Potters’ history stands them out and endeared him to them.
Though he admits that player in the lower cadre English Championship will reduce him from the spotlight, the former Warri Wolves and CD Feirense of Portugal midfielder, who played on loan at Las Palmas of Spain last season, said he will give his best to help Stoke return to the English Premier League at the end of this season.
Etebo declared with glee: “I feel great. I am finally here and I really appreciate the support and the welcome that everybody has given to me.
“Everybody needs a break after a tournament like the World Cup, but my mind has been here. I knew that I was coming to Stoke City and I was excited about it.
“I spoke to a lot of friends about the move and the tradition of this club appealed to me – everybody knows that this is a big club, even though we suffered relegation last season.
“It is important for us to do well this season, to make sure that everything goes well in the future. But I know how difficult a challenge this will be.
“I had a lot of options this summer from the Premier League, but I signed this deal before I went to the World Cup, and I am happy with that.
“I did that because of the relationship and the conversations I had. I was happy with what was said – if I wasn’t then I wouldn’t have come to Stoke City.
“I believe that we are going to make this a great season. I am going to give my best and hopefully that will be enough for the club.”
