Chelsea loanee Moses gives reasons for choosing Nigeria over England, labels Spartak 'Russian Man Utd'

Published: February 28, 2021

Chelsea-owned winger Victor Moses has given reasons behind his decision to commit his international future to Nigeria over England, where he spent his teenage years.

Joint-top scorer at the 2007 European U17 Championship alongside Real Madrid star Toni Kroos, Moses represented the Young Lions at the 2007 FIFA U17 World Cup and also earned caps for England U16, U19 and U21 national teams before a change of association to Nigeria in 2011.

Moses has revealed former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia played a key role in convincing him to play for his country of birth at senior level.

"There are several reasons. The then coach of the Nigeria national team was very persistent, flew to London several times to convince me, and said: 'Come on, Vic! Nigeria is your home country, we have a great team, we haven't won the African Cup for so long, we need you!" Moses said to Spartak Moscow's official website.

"And at some point I made up my mind. We took the title, the team gave me many vivid memories."

At the age of 27, Moses called time on his international career shortly after featuring in his second World Cup for the Super Eagles.

"The Federation asked me to change my mind, but I decided to concentrate on my club career and taking care of my family," Moses explained.

Last summer, Moses' proposed return to Inter Milan fell through due to financial reasons and he ended up joining Spartak Moscow on loan instead.

Reacting to how he would describe Spartak Moscow to his friends, Moses said : "I tell them that this is the Russian Manchester United. A large club with a family atmosphere. I like the team, there are cool guys here: Bakaye, Zobnev.

"Yes, and other guys. The atmosphere is great. So I speak only good words about Spartak. Still, it would have become at least a little warmer on the street".

Moses appeared in 37 international matches for the Super Eagles, scoring 12 goals, the last coming against Lionel Messi's Argentina at the 2018 World Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : thenff.com

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