Amuneke recounts 'dream' move to Barcelona

Former Super Eagles legend, Emmanuel Amuneke says his move from Sporting CP to Barcelona as ‘a dream come true’.

After two years in Portugal, the winger got the ‘dream’ call from Barcelona.

Amunike, who was the best winger at the time joined the Spanish side in 1996 and became the first Nigerian to don the Blaugrana jersey.

Despite his lack of game time, Amuneke said joining Barcelona was the highlight of his career.

“Joining Barcelona was like a dream coming true,” Amuneke recalls during an interview with Tribalfootball.

“Every player or young player wants to play for a big team. Nowadays the situation has changed because young players only want to play for a big team but for me, it’s important to play where you can have continuity and grow as a player.

“Of course, still, teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, etc have that appeal where everybody wants to go and play.”

He added, “My experience at Barcelona was good. Coming from Portugal to Spain it was a big step for me, but unfortunately injuries began to happen a lot. When these injuries occur you cannot give 100% as you are not in shape.

“But when this happens you need to be strong and have the confidence in yourself that everything will become better. You must remember this is part of the journey.”

Amunike's time as a Barcelona player was marred by series of injuries and could only manage to make 26 appearances in four years, scoring a goal.