Chuba Akpom says he never stopped believing he would return to the Premier League after finally ending an 11-year wait for another appearance in England's top flight.
The 30-year-old completed a permanent move to Ipswich Town this summer and scored his first Premier League goal with a stoppage-time consolation in Sunday's 5-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Akpom's appearance ended an absence from the division dating back to February 2015, with only Cristiano Ronaldo having experienced a longer gap between Premier League appearances.
Akpom always targeted Premier League return
Akpom's career has taken him through Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands and France since coming through Arsenal's academy, but returning to England's top division remained a major ambition.
“I always had that drive in me to get back to the Prem,” Akpom said. “For me, it's the best league in the world.”
The striker believes his experiences abroad have made him better equipped for the challenge.
“We're not just here for the experience, we're actually here to make a difference and I'm here to make an impact as well.”
Akpom enjoyed one of his best individual campaigns with Middlesbrough, winning the Championship Golden Boot before earning a move to Ajax worth around £12million.
Now in his 30s, he is taking inspiration from Harry Kane and Karim Benzema as examples of forwards who continued performing at an elite level later in their careers.
Flemming arrival increases Ipswich competition
Gary O'Neil has primarily used Akpom as a number nine, a role the forward believes suits his strengths.
But competition at Portman Road has increased significantly.
Deadline Day signing Zian Flemming arrived in an initial £17m deal, while Brazilian club-record addition Emersonn is another option to lead the attack.
Akpom welcomes that competition and believes Ipswich's recruitment demonstrates the club's determination to establish itself in the Premier League.
“It shows that the club wants to progress and it shows the club wants to compete,” he said. “It's only going to make the team stronger.”
Akpom also praised O'Neil for providing regular encouragement and making it clear that strong performances will keep him involved.
After waiting more than a decade to return to this level, Akpom now intends to make the opportunity count.
Key Points
- Chuba Akpom has returned to the Premier League after an 11-year absence.
- He scored during Ipswich's 5-2 defeat to Manchester United.
- Akpom says he always believed he would eventually return to England's top flight.
- Gary O'Neil has given the 30-year-old encouragement over his role at Ipswich.
- Zian Flemming and Emersonn will provide significant competition at centre-forward.
What’s Next?
Akpom now faces a battle with Flemming and Emersonn for regular minutes in O'Neil's attack, with Ipswich possessing considerably more competition following their summer recruitment drive.
His first Premier League goal provides an early boost, but the striker's bigger objective is proving that his long-awaited return can become more than simply a career milestone.
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