Former Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni reveals why he left Everton for Leicester City after an impressive showing at Goodison Park in his first two seasons.

The 35-years-old forward is now retired and has decided to reflect on his career and his successful spell with the Toffees.

The Nigerian striker who scored a total of 95 Premier League goals was highly rated following his record-breaking move from Middlesbrough after several years of consistency.

Yakubu on injury

In a report by the Mirror, Yakubu blamed a serious injury for his departure from Everton and ultimately his retirement.

The Nigerian striker who participated in Nwankwo Kanu's recent charity gamewas confident that he could do well at Everton if not for the injury.

He said, “When I left Middlesbrough, I scored 21 goals in my first season at Everton, so I was really looking forward to the next season, but then I got injured.”

Yakubu then went on to further reveal that even though the injury was a massive setback, he did not want to leave Everton as he was still confident he could get the goals.

He said, “I didn’t want to leave, but I didn’t want to play just five or ten minutes coming off the bench. I needed to play every week after missing every game for 11 months.

“Before I got injured, that was the best - my peak. I was confident and expected to score every time I played. I felt very comfortable doing my job.”

Yakubu on Everton

Yakubu went on to reveal that during his time at Everton there were several leaders in the dressing room among of which was Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo and is optimistic that the team under Marco Silva can do well this season.

He said, “We had a great team, full of leaders. There were so many leaders - Jags (Phil Jagielka), Joseph Yobo, Leon Osman, Tim Cahill. Wherever you looked, there were leaders. Everyone was fighting for each other every game.”

About Everton and their Brazilian superstar, he said, “They’re doing really well," he said. "The football is really good and the players are getting used to the ideas. You have to give them credit. At the moment they are doing well.

“Richarlison is doing really well. He has been the one scoring goals, so he deserves the credit. It’s not easy coming from Watford to Everton, a really big club.”

Yakubu who provided one of the most unforgettable World Cup moments for Nigerians is one of the top Super Eagles goalscorers of all time with 21 goals in a total of 57 appearances.