Awoniyi reflects on his decision to join Union permanently
Taiwo Awoniyi has outlined the reasons behind his decision to join Union Berlin permanently from Liverpool.
After spending the 2020/21 season on loan at Union Berlin, Taiwo Awoniyi completed a permanent €6.5 million transfer to the German capital club from Liverpool last summer.
In an interview with ESPN, the 24-year-old striker has explained why he opted to join Union permanently.
"I felt this was a place I'd been before – I know how much they love me, look after me, even when I wasn't their player. I saw this as my best chance, at this point and age in my career," said the striker, who has netted 12 times in 19 games this season.
Awoniyi had a conversation with Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp the evening before his departure.
"He told me, it's a good step for me. The most important thing is once you realise that a club wants you as a player and as a man, it's a good move. It was a statement I learned from. The most important thing is you are welcome where you are going," said Awoniyi.
Having spent around six years in total out on loan through his career, Awoniyi is happy to have found a place to belong.
"I think that feeling appreciated is the most important thing: You feel good, you don't feel far from home and you feel welcomed. That's the key. That's what's helping me keep going," he said.
Awoniyi will be leading the line for Union when they take on local rivals Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga tonight.