Paul Onuachu has spoken about the chance to test himself in the Premier League with Southampton as well as helping the club to stay up.
Onuachu was a deadline Day signing by ‘The Saints’ from Belgian club Genk, where he scored a total of 85 goals in 134 matches.
The 28-year-old striker is now the tallest striker in the Premier League at 6 feet seven inches after he signed a contract for three and half years.
“I think it had to be now or never,” Onuachu said of his dream move to England. “I think I’m at the right age and I think I had to take this challenge and test myself, to impact my team. Hopefully we do something great together.
“It’s a decision I took because coming to Southampton and playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, I’m coming to really impact my own team – it’s something big for me in my career.
“I have always followed the Premier League, watching it week in week out, seeing the games. It’s a whole different ball game, the intensity, the duels.
“Every player dreams of playing in the Premier League, and of course I’m happy to be here. I think I have the physique, I have the height, I have the size. Let the battle begin.”
He added: “Of course it helps a lot, having this height. I’m in there with my height to make a difference in the box, so I think that’s why God gave me this height! If I have the right balls in the box, of course you can see my height will tell.
“James (Ward-Prowse) is one of the best in the league with his service and his kick, so of course I’m happy to be coming here with someone like him. I think it’s going to really help the team and me a lot.”
Southampton are rock bottom of the Premier League and Onuachu said survival is the No 1 priority.
“I’m very motivated, it’s a huge challenge,” he told the club official website.
“Coming here we are last on the table and everybody is working to really try to leave the relegation zone.
“It’s a huge challenge, not just for me but for everybody in the team. I’m going to give it all if I have the chance to play, and try to help the team to survive.”
