Nigeria's Odion Ighalo joins Saudi club Al Shabab

31-year-old Nigerian striker Odion Jude Ighalo has joined Saudi club Al Shabab a week after announcing his exit from English Premier League side Manchester United.

According to reports he signed a two-and-half year contract with the Gulf side signaling the end of his stay at Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, from where he joined United on loan.

In a video shared on Twitter titled: "New Chapter" he is seen in the Shabab dressing room with his number 89 shirt. "Let's make history," he said.

In late January, he wrote an emotional farewell message to United fans as his time at Old Trafford ended. He joined United in January last year on an initial six-month deal that was later extended to 12 months.

Ighalo scored five goals in 18 appearances during the 2019-20 campaign as he proved a useful back-up option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, the arrival of Edinson Cavani in the summer transfer window has restricted Ighalo to only one Premier League outing this season, with Solskjaer confirming his loan will not be extended beyond January.

Ighalo has now posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, which reads: "It's so hard to see this dream come to an end.

But I give God the glory for helping me fulfill this life long dream of putting on a Manchester United shirt as a player and represent this great club, it was indeed an honor I will forever cherish and be grateful for.

"To the manager (Solskjaer) I say thank you for trusting and believing in me when many did not, to my amazing team mates I will miss you guys, it was always fun and a time I look forward to training and spending time with all of you.

"And I pray we win the league and FA Cup this year."