Rabiu Afolabi Happy To Be Back In Austria

Nigeria international defender Rabiu Afolabi has told Goal.com that he is thrilled to be heading back to Austria after he bagged a two-year contract with Salzburg.

Afolabi first spent two eventful seasons with Austria Vienna between 2003 and 2005, winning the Bundesliga title and two cups, while also featuring in Europe.

"I'm happy to be back in Austria. For my first time there, I was really appreciated and that's why I'm happy to be back there," disclosed the 29-year-old defender, who moved to Salzburg as a free agent after his contract with French club Sochaux expired in the summer.

"They offered me the best deal financially, comparable to what you have in some of the top leagues in the world.

"They are an ambitious club, and a very big project, bigger than some clubs even in the Premier League. Above all, they will play in the Europa League this season. Here you have six top games to show yourself to the rest of the Europe."

Afolabi, who will join his new team on Tuesday, also informed Goal.com that he was close to signing for Spanish club Mallorca, while English Premier League new comers Burnley, and Portsmouth, insisted on having him on trials.

"The transfer market was very tough this summer but I had several offers to consider. I was 90% close to signing for Real Mallorca in Spain, only for them to be bought by new owners. They are a decent club in a top league, but I was not disappointed because Salzburg offered even more financially," he revealed.

"In the English Premier League, both Burnley and Portsmouth were interested, but they wanted me to come down for trials. I did not accept this because I believe I have already proved myself in Europe, playing in the French top league for the past four seasons and averaging at least 30 games a season. That was more than enough for any club to decide on."

Samm Audu, Goal.com