Lagos — Nigerian striker Stephen Worgu, who plays for Sudanese giants, El Merreikh FC, says he wants to leave the club after only spending one year. Worgu who was recently sentenced to 40 lashes and a fine for drunk-driving, a charge which he denied and continues to do, said his move is motivated by football reasons only.

"I think I have fulfilled one ambition - playing outside Nigeria. The next step is to take my game to Europe," Worgu told BBC Sport.

Worgu He joined the Khartoum giants in October 2008 for US$2.6m, in one of the biggest transfers in African history. But after spending only a season in Omdurman in Northern Sudan, the young striker is hankering on a move to Europe.

"Already there are offers but in January we will consider the perfect offer for both player and club," Worgu said. "It is true I have had to deal with a lot of things but nothing compares to the love and affection showered on me by the fans, players and officials of El Merreikh."

"Terrible things have been written about me for coming to Sudan, while playing here and even presently. There are several things which go beyond what people see and read about, but importantly money has never been a motive in my life."

Until a deal is sorted out Worgu says he is concentrating on playing for El Merreikh - including winning the Sudanese Cup final against their great rivals Al Hilal.