Taiwo Awoniyi says his move to Liverpool played a key role in shaping his career, even though he never made a competitive appearance for the English club.
The Nigerian striker, now with Nottingham Forest joined Liverpool after helping the Nigeria national under-17 football team win the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
However, work permit restrictions prevented him from featuring for the club, forcing him to spend several seasons on loan in different European leagues.
Awoniyi. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Awoniyi said the experience of moving between clubs and countries helped him grow both professionally and personally.
“Being with Liverpool helped me be who I am today,” he said.
“I always wanted to play in the Premier League and play in England, and by joining Liverpool I had that opportunity.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
The forward admitted he initially hoped to break into the first team, but repeated loan moves became part of his development.
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“It didn’t happen, so I had to go on loan, which was challenging,” he said.
“I had a number of loans in different countries, but it helped me understand different cultures and different people.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Awoniyi added that the experience strengthened his mentality and improved his understanding of professional football.
“I was still young and going through it with the hope of making it in the Premier League,” he said.
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After several loan spells across Europe, the striker eventually established himself before earning a permanent move to Nottingham Forest, where he has become a regular in the Premier League.
