Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has opened up on his decision to join Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas over all other European clubs that vied for his signature, Footynaija.com reports.
Ndidi recently completed a €9.5 million move to the Istanbul based club, bringing an end to an eight-year rollercoaster spell at Leicester City.
Before joining the Black Eagles, Ndidi was the subject of interest from a host of other European clubs including, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Everton and a couple of Bundesliga clubs.
La Liga club Valencia even made a last-minute attempt to hijack the 28-year-old midfielder’s transfer to Besiktas but saw their overtures immediately knocked back by Leicester City.
What Wilfred Ndidi said
Speaking during his first interview as a Besiktas player, Ndidi explained that his desire for a new experience as well as the opportunity to represent one of the biggest clubs in Turkey made his move to the Vodafone Arena a no-brainer.
“I’m really happy to be here, I feel great. It’s really incredible to be here,” Ndidi told Besiktas TV.
“I received offers from various clubs. But when I saw Besiktas, I said, “Besiktas is one of the biggest clubs in Türkiye.” I also wanted to try a different league. That’s why I was so eager to come to Besiktas.
“I wanted to be here because I wanted to experience a new environment, new people, a new league. When I received the offer from Besiktas, I was really impressed and eager to come.”
Ndidi won the FA Cup, FA Charity Shield and Sky Bet Championship title during his time at Leicester City. He’ll now be looking to snap up more winners’ medals with his new club.
The Super Eagles star may get his first opportunity to feature for the Black Eagles in exactly one week when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men play hosts to Eyuspor in matchday two of the 25/26 Super Lig season.