http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Montpellier-HSC-c39945 from Portsmouth F.C.
John Utaka is back in Ligue 1 after spending three and a half years with Barclays Premier League outfit, Portsmouth FC. The striker has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the French outfit, Montpellier HSC.
Despite being under constant media attack and criticism, the striker denied any reports of leaving Pompey and expressed his desire to regain his form staying at the English club. However, his doubts about his future with the club were highlighted in his
comment,
“I keep going and I will see how it goes. I'll keep working hard and working hard for Pompey. That's why I am here. Then we will see what goes on. I need to be playing, but we will see how it goes. I'm happy. I'm very, very happy to be honest. But we will
see what happens.”
The rumour stayed hot that Portsmouth are looking to cut down their expenses and Utaka being one of the highly paid poor performers, will be passed on to French outfit, FC Sochaux in the January transfer window.
The Nigerian has played football in Middle East, Africa and Europe, gaining diverse experience and a versatile knowledge of different playing styles. Throughout the striker’s career, he has essentially been used as a quick counter attacking winger, proving
to be lethal with his array of skills. The Nigerian International was awarded “L'Equipe's Player of the Month” award for scoring two back-to-back hat-tricks for Rennes in 2006.
His feats were soon noticed by Portsmouth F.C, the English Premier League outfit, and in 2007, Pompey signed the winger. The price tag of 7 million Euros gave birth to high expectations, which the striker failed to live up to. Utaka has forever been taunted
for his huge salary at the English club, without giving his best on the field in return.
Portsmouth held on to its Premier League spot in the last 7 seasons, but during the 2009/10 season, Pompey was relegated and now the club plays in 2nd
division; Npower Championship. The club has been under financial crisis for quite some time, causing its downfall in the league tables.
Montpellier HSC are looking for a better place to finish this season in Ligue 1. Last season, after a re-entry to Ligue, La Paillade finished at the 5th spot, just behind the French Football League giants Lille. More than half-way through the
season, Montpellier are at the 6th place currently and have a bright chance of securing a place in the top 3.
Utaka has been a part of Ligue 1 previously and seems to adapt well with the playing style and surroundings at the French Football League. Currently, the decision of Utaka joining Montpellier HSC seems to be in favour of both the club and the winger.
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