Josh Maja explains why he quit Sunderland to join Bordeaux | OneFootball

Josh Maja has revealed why he decided to leave Sunderland in January and make the move to Bordeaux.

Maja was one of League One’s most exciting prospects in the first half of the campaign and had a contract offer on the table from the Black Cats.

The teenage striker however opted to turn down an extension at the Stadium of Light and make the switch to Ligue 1.

And now Maja has spoken for the first time about why he wanted to make the move to France.

“My agent told me that they had shown interest since last year, so it went back further,” he told France Football.

“I made a lot of progress at the beginning of the season, and I think that’s when they decided to take action.

“I had some (options) in England, Germany, Italy too.

“I felt it was the best opportunity for me to have time in the first team and to progress. It was really a higher step up to me compared to League One.

“We just could not agree (on a new deal at Sunderland). It’s that simple. Bordeaux arrived and I wanted to play at a higher level. So I decided to leave.”

“I have always wanted to play abroad. They (Sancho and Nelson) are beautiful examples, it shows that if you are brave enough to take the step, to discover a new language, a culture, a way of life, then it can pay.

“They show all their qualities and the progress they make is admirable.

“I agree (it is brave). There are not many young players, especially English, who will play abroad so it was a rather different choice from what we usually see. Now I have to stay focused and do my best to show myself fully.”

Maja has so far played five times for Bordeaux and has yet to score a goal for his new club.