Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo is eyeing a return to Europe following last season’s feat with Rangers in the Europa League.
Aribo, who recently joined Southampton from Rangers, signed a four-year deal worth £10m with the Saints in transfer fee and performance-related add-ons. He reached the Europa League final with the Scottish side and even scored in the final as they went down to German side Frankurt in Seville.
The midfielder spent three successful years with Scottish giants Rangers, where he won the Premier League title and Scottish Cup, making a total of 148 appearances for the club in three years.
Speaking to TalkSport, the 25-year-old said that while the decision was ‘hard’ for him, it was the right move as he had always wanted to play in the best league in the world.
“It definitely was (a difficult decision),” Aribo told TalkSport. “Rangers are a massive club and it was amazing being there from minute one.
“It was a really hard decision for me but my aim was always to play in the Premier League because it’s the best league in the world.
“It’s always been a goal for me to reach that and so I had to take that opportunity.”
While Aribo’s dream to play in the Premier League has come to pass, he will need to adjust to life in the Premier League as quick as possible when the season gets underway.
The Saints will face Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United in their opening five matches of the 2022/2023 campaign but the Eagles midfielder remains unfazed in facing the big PL teams.
“For me, I feel the excitement. I’m not really a nervous player anymore, I used to be at times but now I just embrace the moment and embrace the occasion and I’m excited to get going and I can’t wait.”
“We want to push and we want to fight. We want to get ourselves into the top half of the table and push for Europe, that’s the aim,” he added.
“We need to give our best and do what we can as a team because we’re on a good journey here and I’m excited for what’s to come, so let’s see where that takes us.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 8 months ago
