Aghahowa rejoins Shakhtar Donetsk

By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos

Aghahowa in Uefa Champions League action for Shakhtar in 2006

Nigeria striker Julius Aghahowa has returned to Ukranian club Shakhtar Donetsk after a disappointing time in England and Turkey.

Having moved to Wigan Athletic and then Turkish side Kayserispor, Aghahowa says that when Shakhtar asked him to return it was not a difficult decision to make.

"Shakhtar were reluctant to let me leave for Wigan in 2007 and once they came back again, the reunion was only a matter of time," the 27-year-old told BBC Sport.

"Shakhtar know me well and I have a family relationship with the fans and the club.

"It will be an ideal opportunity for me to fulfil other ambitions I couldn't achieve on my previous stay."

It's a new beginning for me, it's looking very promising and I really can't wait Julius Aghahowa

Aghahowa has won three league titles and two Ukrainian Cups with Shakhtar and he now has his eyes set on the Uefa Champions League.

"The club won the Uefa Cup last season and after hearing of their plans for next season, I am positive more success will follow."

"The squad has been boosted with new arrivals and I have faith in the management, they are moving in the right direction."

Aghahowa joined Wigan from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2007, making just 23 appearances, most of which were from the bench.

He failed to score for the Latics and left the JJB Stadium for Turkey after 18 months.

He only managed six goals in 23 appearances for Kayserispor.

The forward, who has also played in the Tunisian league with Esperance, is confident that there are better times ahead.

"I have previously spent seven memorable years with Shakhtar and I have quickly put the past two years behind me.

"It's a new beginning for me, it's looking very promising and I really can't wait."