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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Kenyans react to Victor Wanyama’s move to MLS side Montreal Impact

Football

By Robert Abong'o | Mar 04, 2020

**Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama happy donning the Montreal Impact JERSEY [COURTESY]**

Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama has left London-based side Tottenham Hotspur.

The club announced on Tuesday, March 3 they had reached a deal with MLS side Montreal Impact for the transfer of the 28-year-old.

“We have reached an agreement with Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact for the transfer of Victor Wanyama,” said Tottenham on their official website.

The Lion is coming to @MLS ????,I’m really happy to join an exciting club like @impactmontreal I believe the Saputo family ,@ThierryHenry and the management at @impactmontreal have a great plan in place and I hope I can make a great contribution to the success of this project .???????? pic.twitter.com/GU4Kc2Dofm — Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) March 4, 2020

Wanyama made 97 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions following his move from Southampton in June 2016 and scored seven goals.

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Montreal Impact has also made the announcement on the social media and website, unveiling Wanyama in fancy fashion.

“Montreal Impact announced on Tuesday that it has agreed with Kenyan national team midfielder and captain Victor Wanyama as a Designated Player, a free transfer from Tottenham Hotspur FC. He has signed a three-year contract with the club. His acquisition will be confirmed after receipt of his international transfer certificate and his medical examination,” said Montreal Impact

Kenyans reactions:

BREAKING: Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed that Victor Wanyama has left the club, the midfielder has joined Montreal Impact coached by Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. At least he gonna win trophies unlike while at Spurs. Good luck Wanyama ???????? love♥? Wish you well pic.twitter.com/CyaidSvzDa — ????????????????????™ ???? ? (@ProfCymOhAFC) March 3, 2020

Victor Wanyama

1st Kenyan to play for Celtic FC
1st Kenyan to play for Tottenham Hotspur
Set to become 1st Kenyan to play for Montreal Impact FC

A legend in the making, wishing him all the best in his career ???????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/zOKOONrWJg — Pye Waw (@pyewaw) March 3, 2020

With Victor Wanyama leaving the English Premier League, Mbwana Samatta is now the only Kenyan playing in the EPL. pic.twitter.com/PKWPIStTcx — Kimanzi®™ (@Kimanzi_) March 4, 2020

It's confirmed: Victor Wanyama secures a move from @SpursOfficial to @impactmontreal in the MLS; a club managed by Arsenal legend @ThierryHenry All the best @VictorWanyama in your new assignment. #TheScoreKE pic.twitter.com/mfwKWFsGXD — Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) March 4, 2020

New home.....all the best champ!!! https://t.co/rctry5WEg5 — Mike Okinyi, HSC (@MikeOkinyi) March 4, 2020

**Wanyama holds up his jersey [COURTESY]**

Wanyama, who fell down the pecking order at Spurs following a horrific knee injury in 2018, failed to convince the current manager that he is good enough for his first team.

Jose Mourinho, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino late last year, appears not to fancy the Kenyan skipper and has more than once left him out of matchday squads.

The Special one, during a press conference, was asked why he had to drop Wanyama from his Champions League squad.

Here’s what he had to say:

“In practical terms, it is the same. He is available to play. Victor and Michel Vorm is a different story. I feel safer by having Michel on the list. I don’t want to have the risk of losing Paulo or Hugo and not to have Michel on the list. Victor is in a position where we have lots of players. Winks, Dier, Skipp and Gedson,” said Mourinho.

At the start of February, a Football Insider exclusive claimed the London-based club was considering terminating the Kenyan’s contract.

Wanyama had one and a half years remaining on his contract and is on a salary of around 65 thousand euros a week.

Football Insider claims the reason the club had found it difficult to sell Wanyama is because of the total cost of what’s remaining in his deal, which is estimated to be around five million pounds.

The player had a 10-million-pound valuation placed on him, which was reduced during the January transfer window to allow other clubs to show some interest.

All the best Victor!