The winger has revealed how his move to the MKM Stadium came about
Summer signing David Akintola has revealed how he turned down more lucrative moves in Saudi Arabia to join Hull City on a two-year deal.
The Nigerian winger was one of 12 summer signings made by City when he arrived on a free transfer following his departure from Rizespor in Turkey at the end of the season.
Akintola was handed a first start by Sergej Jakirovic last time out against Bristol City and impressed, teeing up Joe Gelhardt’s opening goal, as well as fashioning a good chance for Kyle Joseph from a neat run and cross, and he’ll hope to continue what has been an encouraging start to life at the MKM Stadium when City return to action this weekend at Swansea City.
After a busy period moving from Turkey to East Yorkshire, coupled with the birth of a new baby, the 29-year-old is settling in well having now been joined by his partner and children.
“Very well, I’m happy to be here,” Akintola told Hull Live when asked how well he was settling into life in East Yorkshire. “The guys, they have welcomed me very well. I’m settling in with the team very well, so I’m happy.”
While many transfer deals will be formulated between agents and sporting directors, Akintola was approached directly by Tigers owner Acun Ilicali, who had watched him play in the Super Lig.
“They showed interest when I was on holiday in Nigeria, and I got a call directly from the president,” Akintola continued. “He told me they want me here. I was very happy to hear such a great team were interested in me, and it was an easy decision to come here.
“I feel very, very honoured. I think, because I played in Turkey for five seasons, he (Acun) knows me very well. When he discussed that he would like me to come here, it was a very special moment, and I appreciate it.”
Akintola says because English football is so popular in Nigeria, it’s the ambition of young players to come and play in these shores, and it was a chance he was determined to take, along with pressure from his family, even if there were more lucrative offers on the table from elsewhere.
“Yes, because growing up in Nigeria, we all watched the Premier League, and everybody wants to be a Premier League player, so to be able to come here and play for such a huge team is an honour.
“I got an offer where I can earn crazy money from Saudi and stuff like that, but when I heard that Hull City were interested in me, when I got the call, I told my mum, I told my brother, and they didn’t even let me decide on my own. They said, ‘You have to go to Hull City, you have to go and prove yourself. You have to go. Not everything is all about money and stuff like that.’
“So, it was a dream come true. It was amazing to get the call. The day I got the call, I could not even sleep because I could not believe it. I know that I have the quality to succeed here or to play here, but to finally get the opportunity, it’s really amazing.
“I would be lying if I said I don’t like money myself, but I’ve earned good money in Turkey. I believe when an opportunity like this comes, you cannot always think about money. It’s a dream come true move, and you have to go with your dream. Maybe in five years I can still go to Saudi, so it’s not a problem.”
Not only did the winger get his move to English football, but he also had the excitement of the birth of his third child, so those sleepless nights are only going to increase.
“I’m living in a house in Swanland now, so I’m settling in very good,” he continued. “My family will come and join me from Denmark. I’ve got a girlfriend from Denmark and I have three kids. I just got a new baby the day I moved here. I wasn’t there when my first baby was born, but it’s a win-win. I came here, and she was born, so it’s good.”
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