Super Eagles and Paris FC forward Moses Simon has opened up on the biggest regret of his professional career, revealing that his desire to secure a transfer between 2016 and 2018 negatively affected his performances.
The Nigerian winger, who is currently one of the longest-serving members of the Super Eagles squad, made the revelation during an exclusive interview with Urban Dwell Sport, where he reflected on his journey, mistakes and lessons learned in his career.
Asked if he had any regrets despite his progress and longevity at the highest level, Simon admitted that he had one major regret and explained that he wanted to share the experience as advice for younger footballers.
“Yes, I have. And this one I will share with young players, the younger generation. My regret as a professional player," the former Nantes player said in an exclusive interview with Urban Dwell Sport.
Simon recalled that during his time at Belgian club Gent, transfer speculation involving several European teams affected his mentality and contributed to a decline in his form.
“From 2016 to 2018, I dropped in form because I wanted to make a transfer. Liverpool wanted to sign me, I think Hull City, Fulham, Brighton, Tottenham, and Lyon also. We played against them in the Europa League in 2017. But, you know, when you read all this in the newspapers, some are true while some are rumours," he revealed.
The Paris FC forward explained that after failing to secure a move in his first attempt, another unsuccessful transfer window increased his frustration and changed his approach towards football.
“So the first year, I didn’t make it. I didn’t get a transfer. The second year, I was supposed to go to Liverpool. It didn’t work. Brighton, no. In my head, I was like, "Is it the agent or the club? I don’t want to play." So I was putting it in my head: "Whether I play or I don’t play, I don’t care," he admitted.
Simon admitted that he wrongly believed that not performing would force his club to find a buyer, despite the fact that his performances were actually what increased his market value.
“I think if I don't play the club will find a way quickly to sell me. The club bought me 1 million but the money they requested in that year was 25 million after one year," he explained.
The former Gent attacker also recalled reports about the club’s valuation of him at the time, explaining how those reports affected his mindset.
“This one was in the news. The president said first they asked for 30 million, then they brought it down to 25 million or nothing after one year. But you know, when you read something like this, you just feel like, okay, I don’t care. It’s your choice. At the end, you will sell me. I don’t want to play anymore. So this brought me down," he said.
Looking back, Simon admitted that an experienced player would have handled the situation differently by continuing to perform and allowing opportunities to come naturally.
“If I was an experienced player an old player I would push for everything because the more you play the more market value you have," he stated.
The Nigerian international added that more appearances and consistent performances would have created more opportunities for him.
"The more opportunities you get. But with this one, I was like, "So, it was the end of 2017 and 2018. I said, 'No, what are you doing? This is your career. You have to push.' So this is when I said I would never give up. I will push. If you like, sell me. If you like, just sell me. I don't care anymore.," he added.
Simon revealed that he later changed his mentality and believes adopting that attitude earlier could have taken his career even further.
"But for the two years before if I could have this this energy and this mindset for sure where I am now I don't think I'll be there," he reflected.
The Super Eagles star then sent a message to young players who may find themselves linked with moves away from their clubs, urging them not to allow transfer rumours to affect their performances.
“So every young player out there, whether there's a rumour or no rumour, just give everything. A transfer can come, and you go. If it doesn't come, continue, because your club is paying you. This is the contract you signed," he advised.
Wale Adejumo
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