Super Eagles forward Chinedu Obasi explains the reason behind his move from Hoffenheim to another German Bundesliga side Schalke and also denies the 15-goal target widely reported. He spoke with DARE ESAN...

Congratulations on your goal at the weekend Chinedu....

 Thank you very much

Are you disappointed that your team did not win the game in which you scored your first goal for Schalke?

I was a bit disappointed but all the same, it wasn’t that bad.

 Tell us what the feeling was like when you scored that goal...

It was a sort of emotional moment for me, but nevertheless, I was very happy and my real thought was how to continue to do those great things I used to do in the past now that I am beginning to get better and everything is coming back to normal for me again. To come back to my normal self is what is occupying my mind at the moment and I hope to continue to build on the present momentum.

 Many Nigerians were surprised by your recent move from Hoffenheim to Schalke 04. Was it really unexpected or did you really plan for it?

 In the beginning, I wasn’t 100% sure, but it just came up and I saw it as a rare opportunity that I must not lose. I think it is a great honour for me because Schalke is a very big team and I have a better opportunity to play in Europe against some of the best on the continent because that has always been my dream. I feel very, very happy to be here and it’s already showing in my game. I hope I can continue to improve my game and also help the team to achieve their objectives.

 You were once linked with a move to Bayern Munich while some people thought you would go with your former coach at Hoffenheim, Ralf Rangnick. Did he play any part in this move?

 He didn’t play any part. He was at Schalke but he was no longer there by the time I arrived. So, he did not play

any part in my transfer. However, he actually helped me a lot in my career and he should take some credit since he was highly involved and interested in my development in the game. He always calls to show his support and know how I am doing.

 One other thing is that I really wanted to play in the Bundesliga. I did not intend to go out of Germany.
It has been four years that I am here now and it is like I am beginning to understand the system very well, the people and of course the game here; I mean how things are functioning in the league. So, I am happy being here and I can only thank God for everything.

 If Schalke at any time face Hoffenheim in the league in their new stadium, how do you think the fans there will receive you?

 I do not know for now, but I think they should be happy to see me again. I am also looking forward to seeing them anyway and I don't think there should be any problem meeting them again. I really helped the team in the last game before the winter break and therefore I am feeling positive about such occasion and there should be no problem playing in that stadium again.

 But there was this report we received about your coach at Hoffeinheim saying there was no possibility of you returning to play for the team again as they are not sure your mind is with them. Are you hoping to make your stay at Schalke a permanent one?

If the opportunity of staying back comes, why not? I have a big prospect of playing in Europe with this side and therefore it will be an honour for me if that offer eventually comes.

 You are currently playing alongside one of the greatest strikers in European football: Raul. How much of inspiration are you getting from him?

 He is a legend! Playing alongside such highly experienced strikers makes the game easier for me as well. He spoke with me when I arrived here and he is a source of inspiration for me. He is still doing what he knows how to do most with all the years and experience in the game. So, I can say he is like a role model,

someone I can always look up to in the game.

 The Africa Nations Cup is at the final stage. How do you feel watching the competition that you should be playing in? Are you even following the event over there?

 Well, I am aware that the ANC is at the final stage and to be frank, it is a bit disappointing that we are not there. But for now, I don’t want to distract myself with any past setback. I am just concentrating on my game and focusing on a lot of things that will help me to get back to a great shape. I only watched some games I felt were very important because I am always busy anyway.

 There is another chance to feature in next year’s edition in South Africa. What are you (Super Eagles players) discussing regarding how to qualify for that one?

 The truth is that I have not really been speaking with any of the Super Eagles players because I do not even have their contacts. But everybody knows how important it is for us to qualify for that one.
Everybody just has to sit up and contribute our best to make it happen so that the country will be in the next Nations Cup.

  Now that you are in a bigger club where you can express yourself, what is your message to your fans who have been expecting you to explode on the bigger stage after the recent injury worries?

 Sometimes, I am not happy with myself about what happened in the past, but there are certain things one cannot change. I really appreciate the support of those fans that really believe in me and I hope to excel and make them happy again. I promise to try and do all I can to bring them joy and represent them very well wherever I find myself.

  Is it true that you set a target of 15 goals for yourself this season?

 Where did you get that from? I never had any interview with any Nigerian media. You will be the first person that I am speaking with and that is the truth.