STARLET MAJA IS LOVING LIFE IN BIG TIME
RUBBING shoulders with the stars has convinced Josh Maja that he made the right decision in swapping Sunderland for life on the continent.
The 20-year-old striker left the Black Cats and signed for Bordeaux in January for an undisclosed fee.
Maja, who had bagged 16 goals in 30 appearances this season before his move to France last month, was left starstruck when meeting Paris Saint-Germain’s legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during a Ligue 1 fixture earlier this month, helping justify his decision to leave Sunderland and League One behind.
“I’m around probably the biggest names in world football, so that is just a blessing. I’m grateful,” Maja told AFP.
The young hotshot’s deal at the Stadium of Light had six months left to run at the time of his departure and Maja is certain that life at Bordeaux will skyrocket his prospects of making it to the top of the game.
“I thought in France, at Bordeaux, I’d get an opportunity to make a name for myself and go from there,” said the former Black Cat.
“I’ve got four-and-a-half years here, so I’ve got all that time to settle in and make a name for myself, develop, improve as a player and a person, and that’s why I’m pleased to be here.”
Meanwhile, manager Jack Ross is backing January signing Will Grigg to hit the goal trail sooner rather than later.
The 27-year-old Northern Ireland hitman, who cost £4 million to prise from Wigan, missed two gilt-edged chances during his midweek Sunderland home debut against Blackpool.
“If we continue to be in the final third as much as we were against Blackpool, I fully expect Will to score goals,” said Ross.