- Christantus Uche speaks to Read Crystal Palace
- Nigerian reveals Oliver Glasner issue
- Thanks fans for ‘dedication’ and ‘enthusisasm’
Christantus Uche has told Read Crystal Palace that he might not play for the club again. The Nigerian forward has broken his silence ahead of his Selhurst Park exit.
The 22-year-old has spent the season on loan from Spanish club Getafe but hasn’t appeared since early March. His last outing came in a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Getafe sporting director Toni Munoz confirmed on Monday that Uche is headed back to the Coliseum Stadium. The terms of the loan agreement required the attacker to make 10 Premier League starts for an obligation to buy to be triggered.
Uche: The Coach Doesn’t Like Me
Uche hasn’t made a single start in the league, and as a result, the clause cannot be triggered. He’s appeared 22 times across competitions, posting two goals and one assist.
Palace are gearing up for a UEFA Conference League semi-final second-leg against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday night. But Uche was removed from the squad following the arrivals of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Evann Guessand and Brennan Johnson.
Uche has now opened up on his impending exit with a message to the fans, whom he hopes to “make proud” if he does get a chance to play again. But he explained to Read Crystal Palace in partnership with OurCPFC why this might not happen:
“I may not have much playing time, but I am grateful for the fans who continue to support me and the team. Your dedication and enthusiasm mean a lot and I hope to make you proud whenever I do get the chance to play but I know maybe it won’t happen again because the coach doesn’t like me.”
Uche added:
“Nevertheless, thank you for always being there and cheering us on. I love you guys.”
Uche has performed well when given a chance and that includes in his last two Conference League outings. He scored twice in a 3-0 win over Irish outfit Shelbourne and a 2-2 draw versus Finnish minnows Kuopion Palloseura.
The Nigerian’s comments follow a video posted on his Instagram story in which an individual was seen crying and admitted they were “tired.” He added as a caption: “Life has been so unfair lately.”
Uche Deserved More Game Time
Uche was unfairly removed from Palace’s squad for the knockout stages of the Conference League, especially given his last two appearances in the competition.
Glasner explained his decision back in February by giving two reasons:
“Some have to be association-trained, some have to be club-trained… I see Uche clearly as a No 9, and we have Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah. He was disappointed, but I always explain my thoughts and reasons. He accepted it and trained well.”
Uche’s versatility allows him to play several positions, not just as a centre-forward. He made two cameo appearances an attacking midfielder but Glasner seemed to only view him as a number nine option.
Eddie Nketiah’s injury hasn’t changed the situation regarding the Nigeria international’s lack of minutes. But with the likes of Brennan Johnson failing to live up to expectations thus far, it’s dissapointing that he hasn’t been given more opportunities, especially in the league.
