Utaka Happy To Join Montpellier

John Utaka completed his move from Portsmouth to Montpellier early in the week  and expressed his delight at joining a ‘ball-playing club’, but refused to set any personal targets. 

   “Montpellier is a good club,” Utaka said after being unveiled by the French side.                “I find myself in a team that plays the ball well. I am glad to return to Ligue 1 which is a league that suits me.

“I hope that together we will achieve great things.

   “I believe that together we will score goals. We are 11 on the field and football is a team sport. I’m not alone on the field. It makes me happy to be here.” 

  Montpellier coach Rene Girard was pleased to have captured the Nigerian forward.

   “My desire was to have a striker who is able to break to score but also to use his speed. He fits the profile I was looking for,” he said. 

But the coach made it clear Utaka would have to earn his place in the match day XI.

     “John did not come to take the place of someone. He will gradually integrate into the squad. Our team is already running well and is already expanded.”

    Montpellier Deputy President Lawrence Nicollin said Utaka was in for the long haul.

   “René (Girard) wanted a player’s profile of John and we have done our best to get him as we have done for some time. 

    “Our goal is to make every effort to ensure that Montpellier has the best team possible and is progressing slowly. 

   “The arrival of John Utaka is simply part of our commitment to lead the club as high as possible and take it forward.

  “He did not sign for six months but for two and a half years and is completely in the future of the club.”