Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has revealed that he came close to signing for Chelsea in 2008, but the move collapsed after he suffered a serious injury.
Yakubu, one of Nigeria’s most successful attackers, enjoyed an outstanding career in England, scoring 95 Premier League goals while playing for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers. He remains the highest-scoring Nigerian in the league’s history.
Speaking about the missed opportunity, Yakubu explained that Chelsea were already negotiating a £15 million fee for him during the 2008/09 season while he was at Everton. However, he ruptured his Achilles at the same time the talks were taking place, ruling him out for almost a year.
“I was unlucky not to play for Chelsea. I got the chance to sign, and then I got injured,” he said. “I ruptured my Achilles and didn’t play for 11 months. I was crying in the dressing room because it was my time to play for one of the big clubs.”
Although the injury ended his Chelsea dream, Yakubu said he was proud of how he recovered, scoring goals at Leicester City and later returning to the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.
Widely feared for his strength and finishing ability, Yakubu remains one of the most respected African strikers to have played in England. He believes he might have achieved even more if the Chelsea transfer had gone through.
