As the European transfer window closes yesterday night, many football clubs utilized the opportunity to boost the strength of their squad so as to compete favourably with their fellow counterparts. Also, players made last minute switch to clubs that they feel would give them chances to shine.

However, one of the players involved in the last minute switch is out-of-favour Super Eagles Striker, Peter Osazewingie Odemwingie, who completed a 2.25 million pounds deal from West Bromwich Albion to the newly promoted Cardiff City.

Odemwingie, who fell out with the Baggies supporters and managements when he tried to force a move to relegated Queens Park Rangers in January, acknowledged his readiness to take up this new challenge.

"It's a fresh start, a whole new beginning. I've joined a club with a strong determination to achieve their goals."

The former Lille and Lokomotive Moscow striker rejected late requests from West Ham United and Stoke City to join the Welsh capital side.

"I'd like to thank the West Brom fans and staff for everything. I'll definitely take with me the positives and great memories. Cardiff City showed great intent to bring me here. I have to thank the manager and everyone involved in making this transfer happen. There are talented and dedicated players in the team, everyone is moving in the right direction and I also want to make a strong contribution as well," he said.

It would be recalled that Peter Odemwingie started his carrier in Nigeria with Bendel Insurance of Benin before moving to Belgian side, La Louviere. He moved to French side, Lille OSC, where he made huge contribution for the club in the UEFA Champions League, scoring fantastic goals against AC Milan at the San Siro. Further stints saw him moving to Russian’s Lokomotiv Moscow before joining West Bromwich Albion in 2010, where he made 100 appearances and scored a total of 30 goals.

The striker has not played for Baggies boss Steve Clarke so far this season and was out of contract at The Hawthorns at the end of the season.

"I have a bright start ahead of me. There's no point looking back or worry over something you can't change. It's all in my past. It's important to focus my energy on positive things. I can only wish everyone all the very best in life.”

Odemwingie spoke further, "It's been a year of learning, finding incredible joy with my young family and significantly a fresh beginning at Cardiff City. There are expectations and I honestly can't wait to get started."

He started his national team journey with the Super Eagles in 2002, and he won Bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2004, 2006, and 2010 African Cup of Nations, and was a member of the party to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.He was part of the 2008 Olympic squad team that won Silver at the 2008 Beinjin Olympics. Osaze was left out of the all conquering side that won the 2013 African Cup of Nations, after falling appart with coach Stephen Keshi.