Millwall striker Benik Afobe opens up on why his move from Stoke City to Club Brugge collapsed | OneFootball

Benik Afobe has revealed the reason for why his move to Club Brugge collapsed.

The forward was set to depart Stoke City for the Belgian outfit, but the move ultimately didn’t happen as he has now ended up back at Millwall.

The 29-year old claimed that family reasons were a big contributor for why he remained in English football despite still leaving the Potters.

The striker spent the previous campaign with the Lions, where he scored 12 goals from 30 Championship appearances.

He helped the team to a 9th place finish as the team narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

Afobe admitted that he was impressed with what Club Brugge had to offer, and was tempted by a move to a Champions League level club.

However, the Englishman claimed that remaining in London was always a priority and that he considered the impact a move would have on his family before deciding the next step in his career.

“There’s no secret that they were interested in me. It did bring some interest to me and my family,” said Afobe, via News At Den.

“I went out there and did my medical, which was fine. I saw the facilities, there’s great facilities there, it’s a Champions League club.

“But, you know, with young children at the moment and a few things here and there, it wasn’t right for my family right now.

“When I came back here I was absolutely delighted anyway. I knew that I was going to be moving on from Stoke, I wanted to be 100 per cent that I was making the right decision. I’m happy that I’ve done that now.

“I spoke to the manager, I spoke to my team-mates after the season and during the off-season and it was always in the back of my mind that I was going to be back. I’m from London.

“For me, once I’d decided everything and how happy I was and how much belief the club have in me and how much belief I have in the club, I just thought it was the right fit.”

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Gary Rowett’s side are currently in Ireland as part of a pre-season training camp.

The team will be hoping to maintain their competitiveness in the division next season despite losing an important figure such as Jed Wallace to the squad.

Millwall’s season gets underway against Afobe’s former club Stoke on July 30 at The Den.

The Verdict

Remaining in London where his family have settled is a very sensible next move for him, especially considering he himself has looked at home in Millwall.

While a move to Belgium would have been an exciting opportunity, it was obviously not his top priority in deciding his next move.

This will be a good signing for Millwall, who would have wanted to keep around the man capable of earning a goal scoring tally in the double figures.

The team has already lost one or two important players from last season, so keeping Afobe around is a good sign going forward.