I am happy for Aiyegbeni -Keshi
By Ejiro Femi-Babafemi 11 hours 25 minutes ago


•Says age not on Yak's side •Insists football is about money

SURPRISINGLY, Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi has supported the proposed transfer of Nigeria international, Yakubu Aiyegbeni to China.

The Blackburn of England striker who netted 18 goals in 30 matches last season maybe unveiled today by newly promoted Super League Chinese outfit, Guanghzou R&FC though subject to him passing a medical.

Guanghzou are expected to part with a minimum of five million pounds (about N1.6bn) for the former Portsmouth player who was also on the wish list of Reading, Southampton, Galatassary and Eskisehirspor.

But speaking on Tuesday evening from Abuja, Keshi said those condemning the move should have a rethink.

With age no longer on his side, Keshi said the player may have considered his future after he would have retired from the game.

“If the report is really true then he should please go. Are we talking about the league? Look, that is not an issue here. Let us forget that he played in the premiership and that the Chinese league is miles behind the EPL. It is about money and we are talking about N1.2bn here. Please allow him to go,” said Keshi.

“If he was in his 20s then we can say he should not go. But at this stage of his career, he would not be thinking of playing in the Champions league but how he would make money for his family after retiring from the game,” Keshi explained.

The coach further hinted that the player remains in his plans.

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