Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has revealed he turned down the opportunity to make a move to the Premier League in 2023 just before opting to join erstwhile Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Footynaija.com reports.
Boniface is one player that has constantly been linked with a move to England’s top-flight division. However, reports have consistently claimed that the Nigeria international is not a fan of the league many consider to be the ‘best in the world’.
In a recent appearance on The Culture League Podcast, the talented striker admitted his “dislike” for the English game. However, he explained that he would be open to making a move if the right team came calling.
What Victor Boniface said about moving to the Premier League
“I don’t really like the Premier League — not like if I have the opportunity to go, I won’t take it,” Boniface. “But if I’m going to make that move, it has to be to a certain type of team.
“Before I agree to a transfer or join a club, I always look at the type of football they play. Will it suit me? Is it a team with too much pressure? Because some players can’t perform well under pressure.
“Before I moved to Leverkusen, I had a great season in Belgium. There were offers from England, good money, but I just didn’t want to join that kind of team.
“If you put me in a possession-based side, I’ll give you everything. I can go to a club and be the standout player, but we might lose a game and everyone points fingers at me.
“From the grassroots level, that’s how I’ve always played — if I’m on the pitch, I bring everyone along with me.”
Boniface’s decision to snub the allure of the Premier League and move to Leverkusen proved to be a masterstroke as he enjoyed Bundesliga and DFB Pokal success in his first season at the Bay Arena.
After a less than ideal second season and the departure of Xabi Alonso, Boniface appears to have been deemed surplus to requirements by new Die Werkself manager Erik ten Hag and could likely be offloaded this summer.
Serie A giants AC Milan have recently been credited with interest in the Nigerian striker. But a move to the Premier League could also be on the cards as a number of top teams look to reinforce their attack.