Hong Kong striker Udebuluzor hopes to make China home, as he quits problem club in Germany

Michael Udebuluzor has pledged to knuckle down and fulfil his potential after emerging from a difficult period outside football.

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The Hong Kong striker was one of the few players to emerge with credit from Tuesday’s 6-1 drubbing by Japan, after he was introduced with his side at 5-0 down at half-time in their East Asian Football Championship opener.

Udebuluzor said he was juggling the city’s time in South Korea with finalising his exit from VfR Mannheim, where he moved last summer from fellow German club FC Ingolstadt 04.

“I don’t like the club, I’ve had my problems with the coach, and it’s best for me to leave,” Udebuluzor said. “My next club could be in Europe or Asia.

“Maybe it would be better to be in China, I’d be closer to my family and have no distractions. Germany had its problems, which I don’t want to get into.”

Michael Udebuluzor (left) wins the last-minute penalty that earned Hong Kong victory over India last month. Photo: Elson Li

Asked if he had been happy in Germany, Udebuluzor replied “no”, but added that he expected that to change in a new country, where he would “work harder and I can try to be the best I can be”.

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