Former golden boy of Nigerian football Macauley Chrisantus says the fake news from the Nigerian media on his age played a role in frustrating his career.
Chrisantus finished as top scorer at the 2007 U17 World Youth Championship and subsequently secured a big money move to Hamburg of Germany but till date that team remains the biggest he has played for.
Speaking to Owngoalnigeria.com, the now 29 years old who is on the books of Saudi Arabia side Hetten FC said ten years ago he missed out on a big move away from Hamburg because of a malicious report on various Nigerian news outlet.
“ I was badly hit by a fake news on my age by an aggrieved former agent of mine and it went viral. He paid people to smear my name and that cost me a big move that would have launched my career ten years ago”, Chrisantus told Owngoalnigeria.com.
“ It was the making of one of my former agent who was bitter that I left him. No regret though but base on what you asked me about my career not progressing as expected, the media in Nigeria played a role with fake news about my age”, he said.
Rounding up he said he still has respect for the media and holds no grudge against any while urging other players in their prime to always treat their country media with respect.
“ My connection with the media in Nigeria was zero. That didn’t help at all but I hold no grudge . It’s important for players playing at the top level and in the national team to have a good relationship with the media of their country. The foreign media will only report you when they can’t help it.
“ Most people believe what comes from the media of a player’s country more than anyone else. So it’s only right you treat them with respect and if possible have one or more who you speak to regularly”, he concluded.