PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Cedric Bakambu - The Congolese star's most difficult decision

Cédric Bakambu

Monday Apr 09, 2018. 16:00

The 26-year-old striker disclosed that moving to Turkey caused conflicts within his family.

Bakambu joined Turkish Super Lig side Bursaspor in September 2014 after his French club, Sochaux were relegated to the Ligue 2.

"When we were relegated to Ligue 2, as I was young and coming out of the French youth teams.

"I thought I'd find a Ligue 1 club quite easily. But it wasn't the case," Bakambu told France Football (in French).

Bakambu stint with Bursaspor proved to be a success as he netted 13 goals in 27 games in the Super Lig.

"It was a bit of a slap in the face. That's why I took a gamble and went to Turkey. It's what I needed to regain confidence and score some goals," he said.

"It was the most difficult decision. It caused a few conflicts within my family. It wasn't easy because nobody understood my decision."

Villarreal came calling for Bakambu's services at the end of the 2014/15 season and he joined the Spanish La Liga outfit.

The DR Congo international established himself as one of the best players in Spain and he was sold to Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan.

Guoan paid a transfer fee which was reported as €74 million which constituted an African transfer record.