Signing Of Paulista Push Me Out Of Arsenal - Semi Ajayi

Signing Of Paulista Push Me Out Of Arsenal - Semi Ajayi

By Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's Super Eagles and West Bromich Albion defender Semi Ajayi has stated the reasons he moved out of Emirate after making an impact with the reserved team.

Ajayi who was part of Nigeria U20 Flying Eagles to Toulon Tournament in France in 2013, left Arsenal in 2015 after the club purchased Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista from Spanish side Villareal, BSN Reports.

Despite moving closer to the first team, Ajayi left the club for a championship side Cardiff city before playing for Rotherham United also in the championship.

"In fact, I got close to the first team. At one stage I was first understudy behind Mertesacker and Koscielny but they then bought Gabriel Paulista in the January.

“Arsene Wenger was very honest with me in that he said he wanted me to stay and develop but he couldn’t offer me first-team football at that point.," he told West bro website.

Despite having opportunity to play for England, Ajayi made his debut for Nigeria in 2018 and has became an Integra part of the team ever since.

Ajayi has netted 6 goals for West Bromwich Albion this season as they continue their quest for promotion to the premier league