Chuba Akpom detailed why he chose Ajax when leaving Middlesbrough.
Chuba Akpom claims he turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in order to join Ajax after leaving Middlesbrough two years ago. The striker, who was recently banned by Ajax and told to look for a new club this summer, departed Boro two years ago. It came after Akpom had a career-best season at the Riverside, scoring 29 goals and becoming the first Boro player since Bernie Slaven in 1990 to score 20 or more league goals.
Boro were hoping to persuade Akpom to stay after missing out on Premier League promotion through the play-offs. However, with only one year left on his contract, his demands proved to be too much for Boro, and they were forced to accept the loss of their star player. While Akpom increased his wage significantly by making the switch to the Dutch giants, it seems he could have profited even more, had he chosen a move to Saudi instead.
Akpom said on a Twitch stream with Kaysosa that he got an offer from Saudi Arabia before signing with Ajax. I swear, I didn’t sleep for five days! Hearing interest is one thing, but seeing it written on paper triggers physical responses. Everything starts itching!
My girlfriend and I were sitting in bed, breaking things down. I’m not sure if you’ve ever had this, but when you’re about to acquire a particular amount of money but haven’t received it yet, you start spending it in your head! We’re breaking it down and considering what we could get. ” I think, ‘wow, if this cheque clears…’. But then I rethink things. Ajax is such a great club. Obviously, the bread [money] is still great. I’m staying in Amsterdam, a great city closer to my family. Don’t get me wrong—money is vital. I’m not one of those men who has money and then says’money isn’t important. Family is unquestionably more important than money.
“I was on the verge of signing with another club when Ajax approached me. When my agent called, I said, ‘Pause with the other team, let’s talk to Ajax’. That’s a legendary club, and fantastic club, sold out every game. The fans are wonderful. So, yes, we made that happen.
During the broadcast, Akpom was also asked why he struggled in his first season at Boro compared to his second season (which was interrupted by one season spent on loan at PAOK). Under Neil Warnock’s management, the striker scored only five goals in his debut year with the club. Akpom said: “My first season at Middlesbrough began off fairly well. I scored two goals in my first two games. Then there came a fall from grace. My style did not suit Neil Warnock, the manager at the time. So it didn’t really work in the first season. It was a rough start.
It’s part of the highs and lows of football, but it did have an impact on my confidence. A footballer with confidence is not the same as a player who lacks confidence. I didn’t have much faith that season, and it was also Covid, which meant no fans and being stuck at home. “There was so much going on.”
Leave a Reply