My focus is on Eagles for now – John Utaka

The past few weeks must surely rank among the most memorable in your life, leading Montpellier to the French title, could you run us through how it happened? It was eleven months of hard work for the team. We worked hard and we thank God that it finally paid off. It wasn’t easy knowing that […]

The past few weeks must surely rank among the most memorable in your life, leading Montpellier to the French title, could you run us through how it happened?

It was eleven months of hard work for the team. We worked hard and we thank God that it finally paid off. It wasn’t easy knowing that Paris Saint Germain was behind us and during the course of the game, we were playing on the same night, they finished before us. We knew that we needed to either draw or win the game, losing was not an option. That put extra pressure on us. Despite the disturbance during the game, we won. I think it was historic in general for the city.

And for you, you got the two goals that won the title, how was it like?

Honestly for me, like I always say, football is collective effort. Despite the fact that I scored the goals, it was still a team victory. I’m happy not just because I scored the goals but because of the entire events.

It’s the first league title in your career, where does it rank against the FA Cup you won at Portsmouth? How do you compare both?

I cannot compare both because every trophy is precious. I just hope to get more. I think the most important thing to do is be consistent. We’ve got this one, and then we’re looking forward to another one.

Nobody ever gave Montpellier a chance at the beginning of the season, last season they finished in 14th position after coming back from relegation in 2009. In 2011-12 season they are French champions, it’s outstanding. How do you think the club can cope with the pressure?

We know there would be intense competition next season with the Champions League, the French League and Cup. We have good young players and experienced players in the team, I think we can cope. It’s a good experience and it is worth aspiring towards. It’s a great opportunity for some players to have experience of the Champions League.

You’re one of the most experienced members of the squad, are you afraid that Montpellier will be broken up by big European clubs looking to buy young players for their teams?

I think the young players in the team will stay because this is their chance to progress in what they’ve been doing. There are a few of them that have interested other clubs but I think most of them will stay because they have an opportunity to experience the Champions League at the end of the day.

The big question is, are you going to stay with Montpellier?

Yes, I still have a contract with Montpellier, so I’m staying.

What if you got a bigger offer with another club that’s going to play in the Champions League?

Until I have them (laughs) but I’m still with Montpellier.

On the back of your performances at Montpellier this season you have been recalled to the national team, you had been out of the national team since 2010 where you were an unused substitute at the World Cup, do you think that you have answered your critics who said you were finished?

I don’t put too much importance on things like that as long as I play my football and some people appreciate what I do, I’m comfortable. I have to thank God because if not God I won’t be in the position that I’m in today. I will never boast on anything except on God. I’ve seen a lot of things along the line in this football business but at the end of the day I’m grateful that I’m able to do what I like to do. And if it gives me an opportunity to help others, I will not hesitate one bit. If I’m chosen to do it, there’s a reason for it. Everybody will always have critics whether you play football, whether you’re in school, whether you’re a worker, whatever you do, there’ll always be critics. It’s part of the system. I think people should not take it badly when they’re criticised. You learn, that’s how you grow. We are not perfect. Criticism is good, it takes you one step further.

In the national team you have really fast young men like Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses on the wings right now, you might no longer possess the speed to match up to them, how do you hope to get into Stephen Keshi’s squad?

If it’s about speed, I don’t think that will be a problem, at the end of the day the manager will reveal his plans and we will see how it goes.

You’re 30 and must be thinking of retirement in a few years, many African players are calling time on their career by going to Russia or China. Where would you be going when the time comes?

I don’t know yet. For now I’m focusing on the national team, the Champions League and the French league.