Former Nigeria international John Utaka has revealed that it took some resilience to have survived in Europe when he arrived in France.
In 2002, the winger moved to France, joining Racing club de Lens from Qatari outfit Al-Sadd Sports Club.
“It was too cold in France then and I was thinking how to survive,” Utaka, in an Instagram Live chat, told the Super Eagles media team.
Utaka played 102 matches for Lens scoring 24 times for the Ligue 1 side.
“I said to myself that I have come this far, and I cannot afford to fail, added Utaka.
Having enjoyed a spell at Portsmouth between 2007 to 2011, Utaka advised Nigeria players who are in their prime to consider joining English Premier League side.
“It is an advantage to play in the premier league. If Chukwueze and Osimhen have the opportunity to play in the EPL they should go.
“The move will definitely be a plus for them, and they will get that world recognition,” he concluded.
