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Etebo admitted that he needed to revive his career after a long-term injury.
Nigerian midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has shed light on his surprising decision to join Genclerbirligi, a Turkish second-division club, despite recovering from injury and receiving offers from top-flight teams.
Etebo opted for a move that prioritised loyalty and an opportunity to repay the club's kindness.
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"A lot of people were calling me, asking, 'Why would you go to a second division club in Turkey?', I answered that the most important thing is to play," Etebo admitted in a candid interview with SportsBoom.com.
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The move raised eyebrows, considering his talent and recent recovery.
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However, Etebo's connection with Genclerbirligi went beyond football. During his injury recovery, the club generously offered him full access to their training facilities without any obligation.
"From January till the end of the season, I didn't pay for anything, and I trained with the group 100%.
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"Every time the doctor would say to me, even if it's six months or one year, you have to wear this jersey, 'cos we looked after you and all that," Etebo recalled, expressing his gratitude for the club's backing.
While Etebo did receive offers from other teams, including those in the Turkish and Israeli first divisions, his heart was set on Genclerbirligi.
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The genuine support he received during rehabilitation and the modest, yet meaningful, contract offered by the club made the choice clear.
"They knew I hadn't played for a year. The money wasn't that big, but it was just for me to be on the pitch and show that I was back. It was so easy because they didn't even put a buy-out clause. They really wanted to support me," he explained.
Beyond loyalty, Etebo was drawn to Genclerbirligi's history of supporting players in career revivals.
"They have a legacy of big players coming in, and they want to be known as the club that brought you back when you were down. He specifically mentioned fellow Nigerian footballer Isaac Promise, who remains a beloved figure at the club," he said.
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Etebo acknowledged the support of his family, agent, and friends in making this decision.
"The most important thing for me now is to play, and that I would do with the team," Etebo concluded.
Etebo has five appearances for Genclerbirligi this season as he is set to embark on a new chapter in his career.
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