Olunga’s joy after move to Girona FC: Kenyan striker completes loan move to LaLiga new boys

Michael Olunga ready to fire FC Girona to glory!

Former Gor Mahia forward joins Spanish side from China.

Kenyan international striker Michael Olunga has described his move to Spain’s La Liga side Girona FC as a ‘dream come true’.

The 23-year-old completed his season-long loan deal to the La Liga’s newcomers from Chinese Super League side Guizhou Zhicheng just hours before the closure of the Spanish transfer window on Friday night.

Olunga had been forced to move back to Europe after being relegated to the reserve team as the Chinese clubs tried to comply with the newly introduced Chinese Super League Foreign Quota Rule.

The rule was enacted barely a few months after Olunga’s much-publicised move from Swedish side Djurgadens IF on a deal estimated to be worth Sh300m early in the year.

However, the former Tusker, Thika United and Gor Mahia forward has expressed his delight at being given a chance to represent a club that tried to sign him while he was playing in Sweden.

“It is a great opportunity for me to join this wonderful team. It is my pleasure because I have been following Girona for a long time. It is not the first time I am hearing about the team. They wanted to sign me when I was in Sweden last year, so it was also a team of my choice from back then,” said Olunga during his unveiling ceremony on Friday.

“And having come here to Girona is like a dream come true to me because for a young player I really want to get into a team as quick as possible and help the team realise its dreams.”

Having watched Girona make a brilliant start to the season with an identical 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid and Malaga, the towering striker is confident of helping the Pablo Machin-coached side achieve its targets.

“The group of players here is like a unit. I watched their first two matches of the season against Atletico Madrid and Malaga, it was really impressive from the group. I believe everyone is ready to work and help the team realise its dreams,” Olunga said.

“I know last year, they finished second in Segunda B and earned a promotion to La Liga ... it shows they are really determined to achieve their dreams and for sure, I will do my best and contribute to my level best.”

Olunga, who is likely to make his La Liga debut on September 10 away to Athletic Bilbao has vowed to give his best.

“I met the coach (Pablo Machin) briefly just for a slight talk on Friday, but I think we will meet probably again on the pitch today (yesterday) and start the business.

“As a player, you have to be ready whenever called upon to do duty. I will be ready to represent the team and play for the fans,” he said.