'I don't like PL' – Leverkusen's Boniface reveals he turned down English clubs despite 'good money'

Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has admitted he snubbed offers from English Premier League clubs before joining the Bundesliga team in the summer of 2023, even though the financial packages on offer were tempting.

The Nigeria international revealed that his preference for a specific footballing style and desire to avoid unnecessary pressure were key factors in his decision to reject moves to England.

In his debut season in Germany, his goals helped fire Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga and DFB Cup double, and he was named the Rookie of the Season.

The former Bodo/Glimt man was unable to replicate his previous form last season, having spent several months on the sidelines due to an injury sustained while on international duty with the Super Eagles.

Boniface has consistently been linked with a transfer to the Premier League but he has stressed that if he were move to England, it would be on his own terms.

"I don’t really like the Premier League — not like if I have the opportunity to go, I won’t take it," Victor Boniface said on The Culture League podcast.

"But if I’m going to make that move, it has to be to a certain type of team.

"Before I agree to a transfer or join a club, I always look at the type of football they play. Will it suit me? Is it a team with too much pressure? Because some players can’t perform well under pressure."

Boniface, who moved to Germany following a standout season in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise, spoke about his commitment to team play.

"So before I moved to Leverkusen, I had a great season in Belgium. There were offers from England, good money, but I just didn’t want to join that kind of team.

"If you put me in a possession-based side, I’ll give you everything. I can go to a club and be the standout player, but we might lose a game and everyone points fingers at me.

"From the grassroots level, that’s how I’ve always played — if I’m on the pitch, I bring everyone along with me."

AC Milan have been credited with interest in Boniface but the Italian heavyweights have not taken the next step by submitting an official bid to Bayer Leverkusen.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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