Joe Aribo admits he even surprised himself with his dazzling Southampton wonder goal. The former Rangers star went viral over the weekend with a trademark solo run and finish in his new side's friendly clash with Villarreal.
Aribo 's quick feet, ability to ride challenges and knack for retaining possession against the odds came as no surprise to those who watched him at Ibrox over the past three years. But his weekend exploits have drawn more eyes south of the border ahead of the new Premier League season, with the 25-year-old now set to make his competitive bow away at Tottenham this weekend.
The goal will certainly have set tongues wagging in the Southampton dressing room but a modest Aribo confessed to his team-mates how he pulled off the final touch with his weaker right foot before finishing. He told the BBC: "Yeah, I said to the boys inside, I don't know where I pulled the right foot chop from! But yeah, I'm really happy with it. Hopefully I can keep pushing on and do more for the team in games to come."
Aribo has taken a less-travelled route to the glamour of England's top-flight, starting off in London's Kinetic Academy before moving to Staines Town followed by Charlton Athletic. The midfielder then took a chance on joining Rangers - despite the protestations of then-Charlton manager Lee Bowyer - where he won a Premiership title, a Scottish Cup, scored in last season's Europa League Final and earned international recognition with Nigeria.
And Aribo reckons being unafraid to step out of his comfort zone has been crucial in reaching the Premier League. He insists he wouldn't have considered leaving Ibrox if he didn't feel he was up to the challenge. Aribo said: "I've always been a fighter. I've not had it all sweet because I've not been in academies.
"I've had to work and be out of my comfort zone - and that's where you're at your best I think, when you're not comfortable. I believe in myself. I wouldn't have taken this challenge unless I thought I could showcase my talent, and that's what I want to be able to do."
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