Summer signing Joe Aribo has reacted to scoring his first Southampton goal in last Saturday’s pre-season finale at home to Villarreal.
He looks forward to playing a more influential role and scoring more goals for his team in the new season that kicked off yesterday.
The attacker netted a sublime solo effort that transcended the final 2-1 scoreline in favour of the La Liga outfit, with goals from Yéremy Pino and Gerard Moreno enough to secure the victory.
Having opened his account in style, Aribo hopes to continue his scoring form into the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
“I was laughing with the boys inside. I said I didn’t even know where I pulled that chop on the right foot out from, but it was a really good feeling to score at home and hopefully, I can take that into games to come and help the boys this season.
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“It’s really important [to have scored] and hopefully I can take that momentum into the games to come.”
“I think it was a really good test and one that we needed,” he said. “You could see out there that Villarreal are a very good team and are comfortable on the ball, and that’s what’s to come in games to come this season, so it was a really good test for us in pre-season to see where we’re at.
“In large spells of the game, we were solid and communicating together. At times we weren’t really the best on the ball, but that’s all going to come.
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“Pre-season is where you get the mistakes out and find yourselves. I think the boys stayed solid and were a good unit.”
The goal attracted many football followers including the football governing body, FIFA, that applauded the Super Eagles midfielder on Twitter.
On their official Twitter account, FIFA hailed Aribo for conjuring up that beauty: “This goal excited @SouthamptonFC fans yesterday. Lung-bursting runs from own half. Slalom style to rival best stars. “Take a bow, @J_Aribo19.”
Aribo joined Southampton this summer from Europa League finalists Glasgow Rangers for a fee set to rise to €10 million (including performance-related variables).
And Saints boss Ralph Hasenhüttl handed the Nigerian international a start in the friendly meeting against La Liga campaigners Villarreal.
Putting on his Maradona disguise, Aribo picked up the ball from his own half, raced forward, and dazzled past five defenders before sending a cute curler past Pepe Reina.