Bayer Leverkusen summer signing Nathan Tella has declared his desire to join his teammate Victor Boniface in the senior national team of Nigeria rather than wait for a call up from England, OwnGoalNigeria.comreports.
The 24 year old was signed from Southampton by the German side after an extra ordinary year on loan to Burnley last season, where he played a huge role in ensuring that they gain promotion to the English Premier League with 17 goals and five assists.
€18m was what was reportedly paid as his transfer fee with coach Xavi Alonso a huge fan of his style of play, the idea however is to slowly integrate him into the team and his new surroundings, hence the reason why he has so far played just two games in the Bundesliga.
At international level, he is eligible for England and Nigeria but in an interview with German publication Bild, he revealed he has made up his mind to represent Nigeria, although there has been no contact with the national team selectors of the West African country.
“If I get the chance to play for Nigeria, I would be more than happy and would accept it. I have also already told my parents and friends that I would do this”, he said.
“You won’t just be nominated, you have to work out and earn it. I want to prove myself here if I get the chance to play. I would like to develop myself further, help the team and the club – should a call come for an international vocation, that would be a bonus.”
“I have always said in the last three or four years that Nigeria is a big part of my life – even though I have been an ‘England boy’ from London all my life.”
