Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala, is glad to have initiated the movement to the Chinese Women’s Super League.
Oshoala caused a stir last year when she ditched mainstream Europe for Asia.
The 23-year-old had everything going for her at Arsenal, yet jumped on the train to Dalian Quanjian.
But instead of suffering a career slump, as predicted, Oshoala has soared, culminating in the 2017 Africa Women’s Player of the Year award.
And now the pacy forward is happy with her decision to leave England.
“We have more top players moving here from Europe,” the ex-Liverpool star told Uk’s Guardian on Tuesday.
“I get messages from different players around the world who want to know what the league is like. Of course the pay is better but it’s not just about the pay. Lots just want to experience something dramatically different.
“And while the overall level may be considered lower, it is a more level playing field across the league. When you go to England or France you see teams taking 7-0, 8-0 beatings but you don’t get that in China. It’s much more even. Every team has players in the national team and players from abroad. That’s what you need.
“I think this is one of the best leagues I’ve played in because it’s rare you see games with large margins. It’s difficult and competitive. If you don’t have a strong character and are coming from Europe for the first time, I think you would find it tough to adapt.”
Nonetheless, Oshoala is still grateful for the opportunity to play in the English top flight.
She added: “I think I had a good time at Liverpool and Arsenal.
“When I was at Liverpool I hit good form. I then got injured and was out for the season. That was tough to take. Before the new season Arsenal came in for me and I thought: ‘I haven’t played for the second half of the season and the top team wants me.’ I had to take a chance and go there.
“It was good initially but I had a few issues and I had to choose whether to make the switch to the Chinese Super League.”
Oshoala clinched China’s domestic double last season and finished as the league’s top scorer with 12 goals.
