|
|
發表於 2007-2-2 23:34:29
|
顯示全部樓層
ONYEWU: ST. JAMES THE PLACE FOR ME
Michael Adubato for Yanks Abroad Thursday, February 1, 2007
Newcastle defender Oguchi Onyewu believes he made the right choice by agreeing to a loan deal with the currently middling, but esteemed Premiership club.
A day before the transfer window closed, he joined from Standard Liege, ending months of speculation as to where the American international would sign.
US Soccer's Player of the Year will be on Tyneside for at least five months with the possibility of making the arrangement permanent at the end of the season.
"Out of all the possibilities, this was probably the best in terms of giving me a chance to grow as a player and the chance to make an immediate impact on the team," Onyewu told YA.
With rumors flying from all corners of Europe, it was assumed that the big man would be signing with Chelsea, Olympique Marseille or Porto, a late trio among many other suitors.
"No comment on that," stonewalled Gooch. "It doesn't make any difference any more."
Remaining at Standard, who are currently in third place and are serious title contenders, could have also happened.
"I'm under contract until 2008 (including a club option year)," stated Onyewu. "It was obviously a possibility if nothing was to work out during the transfer period."
As the speculation went on until the penultimate day of the transfer window, lesser men might have feigned injury or refused to play to stave off a potential injury that could have brought a move to another team to a screeching halt - but not the new Toon #15 shirt.
"I think the most important thing was to not think about such events like that because when you do, that's when you do get injured," said Onyewu.
"I like to play every week and if something happened, then that would have been the case. Fortunately, it didn't happen and I was able to make the transfer."
Onyewu enjoyed his time with Standard, admitting: "Every win was a highlight!"
The good came with the bad, though - he distinctly remembers falling a point short of champions Anderlecht in last season's standings.
"I think my worst memory was not being able to be champions last year," said Onyewu, who still has to catch himself when referring to Les Rouches' current campaign.
"I think we... they have the squad that is as capable as last season. Right now with the momentum that we... they have, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be able to give (leaders) Genk and Anderlecht a run to the end," he offered.
Onyewu will hope to make his Premiership debut against the triple Yank threat of Fulham on Saturday. |
|