Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Odion Ighalo confirms Man Utd exit with heartfelt farewell message

Odion Ighalo has confirmed his exit from Man Utd with a touching farewell message on social media.

The Nigerian striker's loan at Old Trafford is due to come to an end this month and, as expected, his stay will not be extended.

Ighalo is set to return to parent club Shanghai Shenhua, though has previously talked up a move to Major League Soccer in the U.S.

After playing a bit-part role last season, Ighalo's time at United was effectively ended by the arrival of Edinson Cavani to the club in October.

Writing on Instagram, Ighalo said: "It's so hard to see this dream come to an end. But I give God the glory for helping me fulfil this lifelong dream of putting on a Manchester United shirt as a player and represent this great club.

Odion Ighalo has confirmed his Man Utd exit (PA)

"It was indeed an honour I will forever cherish and be grateful for."

Ighalo was a shock deadline day signing for United last January, arriving on an initial six-month loan deal.

That was extended by a further seven months after his decent initial contribution to United.

He scored five goals in 19 appearances last season (only seven of which were as a starter), including a brace in the FA Cup win over Derby and a thumping strike against LASK in the Europa League.

But his chances were limited this season as Ighalo featured on just four occasions for the club, with his last appearance coming as an 89th minute substitute in the defeat to PSG at the beginning of December.

Nevertheless, Ighalo showed his gratitude to boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the opportunity.

"To the manager I say thank you for trusting and believing in me when many did not," he continued.

What is your favourite Ighalo moment? Have your say below.

Ighalo celebrates scoring against Norwich last season (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

"To my amazing team-mates, I will miss you guys. It was always fun and I looked forward to training and spending time with all of you.

"And I pray we win the League and FA Cup this year.

"To the best fans in the world, we have missed you, but we hear your voices cheering us on from afar. We can't wait to have you back in the stands."

He added: "I will remain a Manchester United fan forever. Once a red, always a red.

"Thank you Manchester United and God bless."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.