Joe Aribo said he fulfilled a lifelong ambition to play in the Premier League after moving from Rangers to Southampton on Saturday.
The Nigerian international has scored 26 goals in 149 appearances for the Glasgow giants over the past three years, including in the Europa League final as Rangers lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in May.
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Areibo also won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup and thanked Rangers for “an amazing journey to be part of this special club”.
However, the 25-year-old midfielder admitted the English top-flight was too tempted to sign a deal that could raise up to £10 million ($12 million).
“I’m really excited to travel. The Premier League is the best league in the world,” Areibo told Southampton’s website.
“I’ve been watching it since I was a little boy, it’s always been a goal for me to play here and show what I can do on this stage.
“It’s an amazing feeling, a dream come true.
“It’s where I’ve wanted to play since I was growing up, so to say that I’m here now is really exciting.”
Arebo is the fifth signing of the Saints’ transfer window after goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Liss, German defender Armel Bella-Kotchup and promising midfielder Romeo Lavia.
“We believe Joe can bring energy and creativity to our side,” said Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttle.
“He has already played a lot of games at a very high level in his career, and his performances in the Europa League prove that he has the quality to play in the Premier League.
“It’s a huge ambition for him, and he’s hungry to show everyone that he can do it.”
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