Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has revealed that Brighton and Hove Albion’s journey to the English top flight was what propelled him to joining them.
Balogun, 29, signed a two-year deal with the Seagulls after becoming a free agent when his contract elapsed at German side Mainz 05.
Speaking on why he joined Albion, the Nigerian said he had always dreamed of playing in the Premier League.
“I always had a dream to play in the Premier League, and Brighton was one of the first teams to show an interest in me,” Balogun told the club website.
“I’ve been following English football as much as I can in Germany, and I saw how they got promoted from the Championship.
“I liked the way they played last season in the Premier League too and how they were able to maintain their status. It’s really impressive how they work, not just as individuals, but as a team too.
He added that, he “just met the manager [Chris Hughton] and spoke to him on the phone once. He seems like a real gentleman, who is very calm, polite and knows exactly what he wants to do.
“You can see that in the way in which the team performed throughout the season.”
Balogun is expected to be in the heart of defense for the Super Eagles as they play at the 2018 World Cup.
