RSC Anderlecht of Belgium attacker, Henry Onyekuru has decided not to renew his deal with the side he played for on loan last season, despite knowing they have reached an agreement with his parent club, Everton for an extra term.
Onyekuru says his relationship with Anderlecht manager, Hein Vanhaezebrouck has gone sour, which contributed to the coach’s decision not to field him despite returning to fitness and he subsequently missed Nigeria’s World Cup list.
Onyekuru has vowed to leave the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium outfit after his hope of playing in the global showpiece was shattered, alleging that Anderlecht marred his dream of featuring at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The youngster joined the Belgian First Division A side on a season-long loan from Everton, owing to his failure to secure a work permit in England after he was snapped up from KAS Eupen, following his impressive 2016-17 campaign.
Onyekuru made instant impact, scoring 10 goals across all competitions, and starred in Anderlecht’s underwhelming Champions League outing.
However, in December, suffered a setback after picking a knee injury – thought to rule him out of the World Cup.
Though he returned earlier than expected, Onyekuru failed to get playing time to prove his fitness and bolster his chances of making Gernot Rohr’s squad for the tournament.
He argued: “Anderlecht have cost me my World Cup, but they knew that I needed to get a work permit for England by not letting me play, I could not go to Russia and they tried to keep me for another season at Anderlecht.
“I would not know how Vanhaezebrouck’s voice should sound, I have not spoken to him for weeks.
“I had to read in the press and hear that I was not ready, but I have worked very hard to get back, but apparently that was not enough for some.
“Upon my return I was asked to do two weeks of exercises to strengthen my knee, I made three weeks of it.
“I was told too much, but I was told by Bruges that I was allowed to come in, but no, even Leander Dendoncker came to ask why I was not in the selection.
“I played at the top of Belgian football, made minutes in the Champions League and had good contact with the fans, the teammates and the board. Everything changed when René Weiler left.
“I can confirm that Anderlecht had a deal with Everton about a second season on a loan basis, but the final decision was with me, but now it’s certain – I will not stay. I have to sign in.
“Only the trainer did not need me in the last few weeks, that’s not the point, right? I go somewhere where I do get respect, abroad.”
