Ex-Remo Stars midfielder credits Man United legend for Aberdeen transfer

Super Eagles defensive midfielder Afeez Aremu Olalekan has credited Manchester United’s legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, for his move to SPFL side Aberdeen, Afrik Foot reports.

The 26-year-old made history in Nigerian football some twelve years ago, making his professional debut for Remo Stars at the age of 14. He’d go on to play for Akwa United, Sunshine Stars and Rivers United before heading abroad.

On the 29th of January, Aremu announced he’d joined Aberdeen from 2. Bundesliga side FC Kaiserslauten.

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He signed with the Dons until summer 2028 for a fee of around £350,000, and wants to recreate Aberdeen’s glory days.

Afeez Aremu credits Alex Ferguson for Aberdeen move

The one-time 2.Bundesliga winner revealed he did some digging about Aberdeen and realised the former Manchester United coach made history during his time in charge of the dugout at Aberdeen when he won the Scottish League three times, alongside the UEFA Super Cup.

“I knew that Alex Ferguson won many trophies for the club. He won against Real Madrid in a European final, which was a really big thing for Aberdeen,” Aremu said in quotes revealed by Press and Journal UK.

“When I knew I was coming here, I googled everything I could about the club.

“Alex Ferguson was already a manager I loved because I knew all about him when he coached Manchester United.

“I haven’t seen the statue of him outside Pittodrie yet because I have only been there briefly, and our games have been off.

“I am looking forward to adding to that history. During my time at Aberdeen, I want to win as many trophies as possible and play in European tournaments.

“Those are some of the major things that I want to add to my football career,” the former St. Pauli man said.

Aberdeen ended an 11-year trophy drought when lifting the Scottish Cup last season following a penalty-shoot out win against Celtic in the final.

Aremu is hoping he can help Peter Leven’s side to even more silverware in his time in Scotland.

“The good thing is the club are still in the Scottish Cup, which they won last season.

“We can still do that again this season, so we have to keep going to make that happen.

“I’ve had a good chat with Dimi Mitov about last season’s final, and he was telling me all about the dramatic win against Celtic – especially how he saved two penalties in the shoot-out.

“I’ve also seen the pictures of the celebrations when they lifted the trophy and then went on a tour of the city the next day.

“I was so jealous as I really want to be involved in that. Maybe by the end of May, I will have the chance to walk in and see my picture on the wall as well.

Why Afeez Aremu signed for Aberdeen

Aremu mentioned he turned down offers from other clubs in Belgium and Turkey because he felt he could fight for silverware with the Dons, while citing his family for additional reasons.

“I had the chance to go to Belgium and Turkey, but I came for the history of the club, and also for my family.

“Playing in an English-speaking country is good for me, good for my wife and kids also.

“They have been in Germany for a long time, and if they go to Nigeria on vacation, they speak English.

“I didn’t just take this chance for myself; I also wanted to do my best for my family.

“I can’t wait to get started to give everything for the fans.

“I don’t leave anything behind, whatever the situation and I’ll give my all for Aberdeen,” the one-cap Super Eagle concluded.

Aremu is poised to make his debut for Aberdeen when they take on Motherwell on Sunday.