Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi joined Trabzonspor from Lazio for personal reasons, saying he moved to ‘clear my head.’
The 23-year-old moved to Turkey from Lazio for a reported fee of 5 million Euros after spending five years at the Italian capital club.
“I needed to make this move to clear my head and be happy playing football again,” Onazi told BBC Sport.
The deal was reportedly completed weeks ago, according to Italian tabloid La Repubblica, but the political uncertainty in Turkey after an aborted coup attempt meant the deal couldn’t go through immediately.
Onazi, however, isn’t worried about the overall security situation in his new base.
“Personally, I think security is the same everywhere,” he said.
“Nowhere is perfectly safe in life, so we just keep praying that God will guide and protect us wherever we go.”
Onazi, who was hampered last season due to a lack of form and injuries, was offered a deal at Lazio to extend the two years left on his contract, but the midfield enforcer chose to leave for ‘personal reasons.’
“I left Lazio for personal reasons,” said Onazi who played 20 times last term.
“It might be difficult for some people to understand my decision but this is a step forward in my career.
“The Lazio coach spoke to the management about keeping me. I was even offered a contract extension to stay but Trabzonspor provides a new lease of life.
“I will always be a Lazio fan because the club gave me the platform to be the player I am today.”