Man Utd: Solskjaer says he is 'sure Ighalo will get his goals'
Manchester United star Odion Ighalo has been sent a good luck message from Salomon Rondon - who has revealed the club were in talks with his representatives about a move to Old Trafford last month. The 30-year-old is currently playing in China with Dalian Professional.
Manchester United signed Ighalo on transfer deadline day, leaving the footballing world stunned in the process.
The Nigeria international signed on the dotted line from Shanghai Shenhua on loan until the rest of the season and, on Monday, made his debut against Chelsea.
Before United swooped for Ighalo, Rondon was being linked with a sensational switch to Old Trafford.
And the former West Brom and Newcastle star has confirmed the club’s interest, telling The Athletic: “It was all out of my hands.
“It means a lot to be linked with Manchester United because they have a great history and it must mean they think I did well in the Premier League.
“They started to talk to my agent and I was just waiting by my phone for a decision, maybe for the lawyers, but then I saw Ighalo had signed.
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While United want a striker for the end of the season, Rondon isn’t expecting the club to revive their interest.
He is, though, open to the prospect of playing in the Premier League again.
“I hope so, one day,” he continued.
“If Newcastle made me the offer, I’d definitely come back!
“I’m 30, but I feel really healthy and take care of my body. Some people might think I’m too old, but if life around footballers is parties and going out, then that’s not my style.
“I try to do the good things. I hope to play on until I’m 37 or so, although that will depend on injuries, on me, on my life.
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“If my body says, ‘My friend — that’s enough’, then I’ll have to say goodbye.
“If not, if I’m still hungry, if I’m still enjoying it, I’ll carry on.
“I think one of my best qualities is my character. I’m really passionate and I hate losing games, even if they’re friendlies. Even if I’m playing in the garden with my son and he nutmegs me, it’s ‘Hey, hey, hey, hey, NO’.
“When I go away with the national team, I’ll always say to the players: ‘I don’t care if you miss a pass or score an own goal, but I do care if you don’t put your foot in. And if you don’t put your foot in then you’ll have to fight me in the dressing-room. Win that first ball in the air.’
“This is my attitude. The career of a footballer is too short. You have to give everything to football because football gives you everything.”