JOSEPH AKPALA: AKPOBORIE, AMOKACHI And KANU Are My Role Models

Werder Bremen new signing Joseph Akpala has told German media he snubbed offers from the United Kingdom and Spain this summer. The 26 - year - old Nigeria international joined Werder Bremen from Club Brugge last month.

''Two clubs from the Premier League wanted me, but a change did not materialize. But in the case of the Bremen was all very specific and I thought: Why not? Even many of my friends have moved to the Bundesliga. Ivan Perisic, Dante, Igor De Camargo, just to name a few,'' says Akpala to bild.de

The former Bendel Insurance ace has been ignored by the National Team coaches in recent times. Akpala's last international cap was against South Korea two years ago.

Though he was omitted for Nigeria's African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia, Akpala has hinted that he could be making a return to the Eagles squad soon.

He told the German newspaper: '' It would be an honor to play for my country. I am in contact with the coach. He knows that I am ready. "

And speaking on his role models, Akpala said: '' Three Nigerian are my role models - Akpoborie, Amokachi, Kanu. When I was 19, Kanu then playing for Arsenal, received me well in the National Team. We have been in contact all these years. Three days ago we talked. He gives me a lot of advice. I invited him to a home match of Werder Bremen. He will see me. "

Akpala, a very fast striker, can run the 100 meters dash in less than 11 seconds. His girlfriend lives and works in France.