Retired Nigeria international Christian Obodo has revealed that he attracted interest from several European giants, including Premier League clubs Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as Spanish heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The former Udinese midfielder enjoyed an impressive spell in Italy, where he showcased his technical ability while contributing goals and assists.
Obodo made 196 appearances for several Italian clubs, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists during his career in Serie A.
Despite his impressive performances, the 42-year-old said he was forced to retire earlier than expected after suffering a serious injury while several top European clubs were interested in his services.
Speaking on the Home Turf Podcast, Obodo said 18 clubs had shown interest in him after an impressive season, with Liverpool prepared to spend €60 million to sign him.
“I stopped very early because of an injury. I was unstoppable in Italy,” Obodo said.
“The first injury happened four matches to the end of the season. 18 clubs were looking for one player. All these clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona were inside.”
Obodo explained that he had been considering a move to Liverpool following Xabi Alonso’s expected departure before suffering the injury.
“Then I wanted to go to Liverpool because Xabi Alonso was going to Madrid. After our Champions League game, we left and started playing Europa League.
“We left the Europa League as well. We finished one game and came for a recovery session but that weekend we are still going to play a match against Empoli.
“This thing happened on Tuesday morning. The coach was talking and I was on the shoulder of {Antonio} Di Natale and my leg was on top of the ball. We finished and were supposed to go juggling. I dropped my leg and sustained the injury.”
Obodo added that he had already established himself at the highest level and did not need the World Cup to attract clubs, insisting that his main objective would have been to replicate his form on the international stage.
“I have set the platform already. The league has ended and 18 teams are showing interest in me. I have done it on my own already. I don’t need to go to the World Cup to {showcase myself}.”
““I just need to go to the World Cup to replicate the same form. Even before going to the World, maybe the deal would have been concluded. I am choosing the team that I want to join. That time, Liverpool were ready to spend 60 million euros.”
Born in Warri, Obodo made 21 appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring four goals during his four-year international career between 2004 and 2008.
Adeyemi Adewale
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