Football
Michael Oti Adjei, Special to ESPN 7y

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu eyes new challenge after Bursaspor switch

Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu is eyeing a new challenge after completing his season-long loan switch to Bursaspor from Udinese.

The Turkish side confirmed the deal on their official website on Thursday, and after ending his seven-year stay with Udinese, Badu is convinced that he's made the right move.

"I needed a new challenge after ten years in Italy and Bursaspor made an offer that I liked a lot," he told KweséESPN. "I like the challenge of coming to a new club, new league so hopefully it should go well over the new season.

"[Going from playing in] one league for seven years will be a bit difficult," he added. "There will be a change of everything so I need to adapt early so I need to put in extra training sessions and make sure I am at my absolute best for the start of season."

Speaking to Bursaspor's official website, Badu acknowledged that while it was hard for him to leave Udine, the presence of several other high-profile African players in the Super Lig had convinced him to make the move.

"I have played with the Ghana national side for seven or eight years and we played against Turkey," he continued. "We had a 2-2 draw.

"I spoke with [Ghana defender Jerry] Akaminko and [Nigeria's Ogenyi] Onazi here, I know Bursaspor captain [Pablo] Batalla and [Nigeria and Bursaspor defender William] Troost-Ekong, having had a chance to meet them.

"I hope it will be a very good season for us."

Badu had been linked with a move to Championship side Birmingham City, but is keen to move on after ultimately opting for Bursaspor.

"In football a lot of things can change quickly but this was one of the toughest decisions I have taken," the midfielder concluded. "In life you may disappoint some people and others.

"You have to make the decisions and just move on."

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