I Don’t Regret Leaving Torino To Play AFCON – Ola Aina

Torino defender, Ola Aina has come out to claim that he has no regrets whatsoever after his decision to represent Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations finals restricted him to fewer matches in Serie A. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.

According to him, even if deciding to participate in AFCON meant that he wasn’t getting selected in Torino’s starting XI as he used to, he doesn’t have any regrets whatsoever.

Aina added that he just couldn’t let go of the opportunity to play in the tournament because he was looking forward to it.

His words, “My season was up and down. The first half from August before I left for the Afcon was okay, a few good performances and some things in those games I think were quite nice as well.”

“And then after the Afcon things really slowed up for me. I wasn’t being selected in the starting XI and playing games wasn’t free-flowing as prior, but I have no regrets whatsoever.”

“I don’t think it’s difficult because if it was a tournament for the Europeans to go to, I don’t think it will be a problem for anyone to go to.”

“The next World Cup [in Qatar] is happening during the season and everyone is stopping because it’s the World Cup – it’s an international tournament and there’s no problem with that.”

“For me, I didn’t have any issue. I was looking forward to it (the Nations Cup) from the time we had qualified to go and play in that tournament.”

“I think there should be a middle ground. Obviously, as players, we understand that while we are away the team have to adapt and other players may take their opportunities and that’s understandable and acceptable because we are not there.”

“In my case, that’s what happened. Someone took their opportunity and they did very well, and that’s just the nature of the game.”