NEW PHASE IN MY CAREER

By NBF News

Spanish side, Villarreal, has signed Super Eagles' striker, Ikechukwu Uche, who is now facing a fresh challenge in his career. Information had it that he moved on a three-way deal from Real Zaragoza for an undisclosed fee. The utility Nigerian player, who has been waiting for a new task to prove his worth in Europe, said 'the new phase of his career now starts with the Villarreal.

'The new phase in my career starts here now and I look forward to an exciting time in the colours of my new club.'

The 27-year-old has been immediately loaned out to Spanish La Liga newboys Granada, for the whole of the season. 'It's just another challenge, a new opportunity to continue my career in the Spanish league.' 'I look forward to joining the rest of the squad after the international break next week,' he told BBC Sport.

'I thank everyone involved in the move, I wish Real Zaragoza, the loving and exciting fans, as well as my former teammates all the best. He has had to endure an injury-ravaged time with Zaragoza, only making a return in March after 18 months out with injury. Since his return, Uche has scored six goals in four appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The Nigerian international also had an offer from Greek side, Olympiakos, for the loan move but opted to stay in Spain instead, where he has been since 2001. He joins Senegal's Pape Malickou Diakhate at the club, the defender joined the newly-promoted side on a five-year deal from Russia's Dynamo Kiev last week. Algeria midfielder, Hassan Yebda, is also at Granada – he signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee recently.