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Ebenezer Bajela
Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers has opened up on why he is joining newly promoted Italian club Cremonese ahead of other suitors, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The striker had a fantastic 2021/22 season with Feyenoord, guiding them to the final of the maiden UEFA Conference League, scoring 10 goals to emerge as the competition’s top scorer.
He has been heavily linked with a move to several clubs in Europe, but reports suggested a deal with Cremonese is nearing completion, while the player also confirmed the imminent move on Saturday after Genks’ 4-2 win over Eupen in the Belgian Pro League.
Despite being on the verge of leaving the Belgian club, Dessers was still named in Genk’s starting line-up, but the player suggested after the game that he may have played his last game for the Limburgers.
“Have I just said goodbye to the fans? Yes, maybe a little,” Dessers told the media.
“I think it’s no secret that a transfer is close. Sunday is a crucial day. Cremonese and Genk are negotiating. It’s getting very close now. “A top competition has always been my dream. I have never hidden that.
“If I stayed in Genk, I might be able to compete for the top scorer title, but I’m ready for something new. I played football in Belgium and the Netherlands and saw all the stadiums and teams there. I came in second and third.
“The only thing missing here is a title, but I didn’t feel like there was much of a stretch.”
Dessers added, “Soon I’ll be 28 too.
“That many people have their doubts about Cremonese? I won’t be competing for the title, no. I think I’m showing that I’m versatile enough.
“For me, it was important to be the first striker somewhere. I didn’t want to go to all those beautiful stadiums as a tourist. I want to play effectively and prove myself.”
The 27-year-old also opened up on the risk of getting injured while playing on Saturday and ruining his imminent transfer to the Serie A.
“I would have liked to have scored a goal, but I am delighted that we were able to win and that I was able to celebrate with the audience,” he said.
“I may have taken a risk by playing. Look at what happened to Tissoudali last week. It’s kind of stuck in the back of your mind somehow. Maybe you noticed that from my match.
“I also had a bit of trouble beforehand, and then you ask yourself in advance whether you are going to play or not, especially with a transfer that is imminent. So I’m relieved that I’ve stayed fit.”
After suggesting that he may have played his last game for Genk on Saturday, Genk manager Wouter Vrancken, also confirmed that Dessers was set to leave the club.
“Is Cyriel going to leave? Yes,” Vrancken said.
“Then you know more than I do. I expect Cyriel in my office soon to say goodbye.”