Super Eagles Stars Aribo Targets Europe With Southampton

Super Eagles Stars Aribo Targets Europe With Southampton

Our Reporter

After watching Eintracht Frankfurt beat Rangers 5-4 on spot kicks to take home the Europa League trophy last season, Joe Aribo says that he’s hoping Southampton can challenge for Europe after completing a move to the Premier League, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The Nigerian central midfielder has spent the last three years with Scottish giants Rangers where he has truly established himself as a top-level player.

The 25-year-old made 148 appearances for the Glasgow side, in which he helped them to win the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish Cup and played a key role in the club's journey to the Europa League final last term.

As a result of his success, Southampton made the move to bring him to the Premier League, a decision that while proving difficult for the player, was always the right move given his ambitions in the game.

Speaking to TalkSport of the UK of how difficult a decision the move was on White and Jordan, Aribo said: “It definitely was. Rangers are a massive club and it was amazing being there from minute one.

“It was a really hard decision for me but my aim was always to play in the Premier League because it’s the best league in the world.

“It’s always been a goal for me to reach that and so I had to take that opportunity.”

For Aribo, the start to life with the Saints doesn’t get much tougher with Southampton facing Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United within their opening five fixtures, however the midfielder says that he’s not worried by facing the best.

He said: “For me, I feel excitement. I’m not really a nervous player anymore, I used to be at times but now I just embrace the moment and embrace the occasion and I’m excited to get going and I can’t wait.”

Asked about the club’s ambitions this term, Aribo added: “We want to push and we want to fight.

“We want to get ourselves into the top half of the table and push for Europe, that’s the aim.

“We need to give our best and do what we can as a team because we’re on a good journey here and I’m excited for what’s to come, so let’s see where that takes us.”