Nigerian-born towering defender, Omar Sowunmi has declared that he cherishes his summer move to his home town club, Colchester United of England, as it gives him the opportunity of returning to his roots, megasportsarena.com reports.
Sowunmi said he was overjoyed, after sealing his switch from Yoevil Town to his home town English League Two club, with which the six-feet-six star has penned a two-year deal.
The deal means Sowunmi has ended his four-year stint at Yeovil Town, as the lanky barging stopper, who was born in Colchester, Essex, aims to take another major step forward in his career, which began at Ipswich Town.
After graduating from The Tractor Boys’ academy, Sowunmi went on to thrill in the colours of Yeovil, during which time he also enjoyed loan spells at Braintree Town and Lowestoft Town whilst at Portman Road.
The 23-year-old Sowunmi, who often plays as a central defender, but can also line out as a striker, recorded 70 appearances for Yeovil, with three goals and six assists in England’s third-tier Football League.
Sowunmi, who moved to Huish Park from Ipswich in 2015, has now admitted that the lure of returning to his home town was a factor behind his decision to join Colchester.
The son of a Nigerian father was born and raised in Colchester, where he attended Philip Morant School, and he is now back in north Essex, where he says the aura of being back home makes him delighted than ever.
Sowunmi, who had an alternating spell as Yeovil captain during his time with The Glovers, played against Colchester on several occasions, with the most recent being a 1-1 draw between them at Huish Park in April.
The ex-Braintree Town loanee says he is an admirer of Colchester coach, John McGreal’s style of play, but admits leaving Yeovil was hard for him.
Sowunmi told the local tab loid, Gazette: “It was hard to leave Yeovil, as they have been a massive part of my development but we have to look forward.
“I wish them the best of luck in the upcoming season. I’m ecstatic to join my home town team.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I first touched a football. Being able to come back to Colchester was of course a factor to me.
“I love my home – surrounded by family and friends that have constantly supported me and now they get to support me on their doorstep.
“My target for the new season is to be constantly learning and progressing.
“I can’t wait to be surrounded by my new team and showing the fans what I’ve got.
“I love the way Colchester play – it’s something that can’t go unnoticed when you watch them.
“I’ve loved playing for the opposition against them. Playing against a passionate team makes the game but now’s my time to be a part of it.”
