Nigeria international defender Elderson Echiejile has joined big-spending French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco from Portuguese outfit Sporting Braga, the club confirms.
The move marks a return to France for the right-back following his previous three-year spell with Stade de Rennes between 2007-2010.
The 25-year-old made 108 appearances for Braga and scored eight goals in his four years at Braga. His contract with the Portuguese club was due to terminate at the end of the season, but has opted out for fresher challenges at the Stade Louis 2.
“I have signed a four and a half year deal with Monaco,” Elderson told his official website www.elderson3.com
“I’m really delighted to join such a great and distinguished club like Monaco.
“I give God the glory and count on the support and prayers of everyone as I hope for bigger things now back in France, which has remained my second home even after I left in 2010.”
Monaco are second in Ligue 1, five points behind leaders Paris St. Germain with 42 points from 20 matches.
The Principality club added players like Radamel Falcao, Joao Mautinho, James Rodriguez and ex-Barcelona defender Erick Abidal to their team last summer.
Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore joined the club from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala earlier in the month.
Echiejile now joins a host of other Nigerians- Victor Ikpeba, Lukman Haruna, Sani Keita and Rabiu Afolabi- who have played for the French club.
“Feeling at home already, good to be back in France. Thank you everyone for the reception#Grateful”, he tweeted on his handle @eldersonech
Having featured in all of the Super Eagles matches on their way to lifting the 2013 African Cup of Nations, the ex-Bendel Insurance man will be in contention for Stephen Keshi’s team at the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
