Nigeria striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has said he has no regrets leaving topflight European football for a loan spell in the United Arab Emirates.
Emenike joined UAE champions Al-Ain from Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a one-year loan deal on July 8. He replaces Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, who earned legendary status at the club with his goals.
“Every move I have made in my career has always been great; this one to Al Ain will be greater. Since my days in South Africa, Turkey, Russia and back to Turkey, it has always been a wonderful experience. I have never regretted any decision I took in my career and I am very confident that this is another greater moment for me,” Emenike said in an interview with Africanfootball.com.
Last season, the 28-year-old struggled at Fenerbahce but he is hoping to score loads of goals at his new club.
Emenike added, “This move has a lot to do with my career and I am ready to work hard and get back to my scoring best.
“Of course, I am ready for that. I did it with Fenerbahce. I have no other mission here at Al Ain than to score goals and win titles. The expectation is obviously high and I am looking forward to justify the trust they have in me.
“I have come here to deliver, nothing will change it. But I cannot do it alone. I am a team player and I will love to get going with my teammates and also get the cooperation of everybody. I am not going to speak about my ability but my legs should be able to do a lot of things about my coming to Al Ain.”
Emenike said he was not under pressure to take over from Gyan, who made a huge impact in three seasons at the club.
The Ghana captain helped Al-Ain to three straight titles during his time at the club and emerged as top scorer in the UAE Pro League 201/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons. He was also the AFC Champions League top scorer and AFC Foreign Player of the Year in 2014.
“I am not under any pressure, I am good to go. I have scored goals in Europe, I know what it takes and it’s not a big deal coming to play for an ambitious club like this,” Emenike said.
“Leaving Fenerbahce does not mean I must prove them wrong. I am focusing on how I will score beyond expectations. And for Gyan, I am not here to fill his shoes or be Gyan. He’s a fantastic player, one of the best in Africa and he left Al Ain with a good record. I have come to make my own impact.
“It is not something that I must do under pressure. I am a natural striker and I will justify the confidence of the club and everybody.”