“I want to stay” – Super Eagles star shuns Bayer Leverkusen exit talks

Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen attacker, Nathan Temitayo Tella, has denied links of an exit away from the Bay Arena, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old joined Die Werkself from Southampton for €23.3m in the summer of 2023, but he’s been largely a squad player in his time at the German club.

Tella has repeatedly revealed his desire in the past to be a more important figure in the team, but admitted his understanding that the call is not entirely in his hands.

Bundesliga, FSV Mainz 05 Bayer 04 Leverkusen v l Nathan Tella Bayer Leverkusen. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
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Coach Xabi Alonso and Nathan Tella look on during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, BayArena. [Photo Credit/ Imago].Amid rising speculation about a potential return to the Premier League, the one-time EFL Championship winner revealed he’s more than happy with Erik Ten Hag’s side.

“I’m still happy to be here at [Bayer Leverkusen]. I want to stay there. This is the club they signed me for, and it’s an honour for them to sign me,” the pacy winger told Flashcore.

“When I first heard that they wanted to sign me, I kind of couldn’t believe it because I was playing in the second division, and to have a team of that stature to even show interest in me was incredible.

“The fact that I was able to sign there, have the opportunity to play for them, win trophies there, I still feel like I’ve got more to give. So, I’m really looking forward to my future there.”

Nathan Tella with a header on the goal of Manuel Neuer. Surrounding him are Jamal Musiala, Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min Jae, BayArena. [Photo Credit/ Imago].Tella has won the DFB Pokal, Bundesliga and the DFL Super Cup in his time at Germany, but isn’t resting on his laurels.

“No, I don’t feel hyped. I don’t feel bothered. To me, it doesn’t really faze me.

“I’m part of a great team, and I’m able to play a part in it, whether it’s the best, the biggest part, or whether it’s the most mediocre part.

“As a team, we were all able to lift the trophy, we were all able to get the medal, we were all able to be a part of something great.

“Even if I played a small part in it, I can still say I’m an invincible, I won the Bundesliga, I won the Pokal in my first season.

“Whether my role is big or small, I’ll always cherish the medals and trophies. I’m happy to contribute however the team needs me, I’ve always been that way,” Tella concluded.

Nathan Tella celebrates his brilliant opener against Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park. [Photo Credit/ X].Leverkusen are set for a new era under Erik Ten Hag after Xabi Alonso joined Real Madrid, and Tella cannot wait to get started under the former Manchester United manager.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.