I spoke to him — Super Eagles defender explains why he rejected Mourinho, Premier League clubs to join Birmingham City

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi Samuel has completed a sensational move to Birmingham City in the Championship, amid interest from Premier League clubs. 

The newly-promoted Championship side announced today that they had signed Nigerian defender Osayi-Samuel on a free transfer. 

Osayi joined them from Fenerbahce after the expiration of his contract. He was courted by a number of clubs in the Premier League and Turkish Super Lig but picked Birmingham. He signed a three-year deal with Brummagem.

During his unveiling, he explained why he picked Birmingham from a sea of suitors that included Crystal Palace, Southampton, Galatasaray, Besiktas, and even his previous club, Fenerbahce, which offered him a renewal. 

Asked why he picked Birmingham, the 27-year-old Osayi-Samuel has the following to say, “I think it's the project. I spoke to the owner; I spoke to the manager and it's just the project, the ambitions of what they want to do.”

“Of course they did well last season getting promoted, but their ambition is not just to compete but to get straight into the Premier League. 

“Those are my ambitions too; I want to play in the Premier League and show everyone what I can do and I think Birmingham City are giving me a platform to showcasethat. Those are the main reasons why I chose to come here.