Muhamed Tijani says Wayne Rooney factor key to Plymouth Argyle move

New Plymouth Argyle striker Muhamed Tijani has admitted he was shocked when he got a phone call from Wayne Rooney about signing for the Pilgrims.

The chance to play for the England legend was a major factor in Tijani's decision to join Argyle on a season-long loan from Czech First League club Slavia Prague. There is also an option for the Pilgrims to turn it into a permanent transfer next summer.

The 23-year-old Nigerian gave his thoughts on his move to Home Park in a series of video clips posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Paris-based journalist Ojora Babatunde.

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Tijani said: "He's a football legend, not only in England but in the whole world. He plays as a striker also, so I think it's a good move for me, that's why I took it.

"He really influenced the move because when he called I was like 'Who's calling? It's Wayne Rooney.' I was shocked. I had to ask my agent 'Are you sure it's him?' He said: 'Yeah, it's him, of course, just take the call'. Then we spoke, it was very good."

Tijani insisted he did not feel under any pressure to perform well for Argyle under Rooney. "I'm willing to play and deliver for them, and for myself also. They should just get ready for goals.

"People say I play like (Didier) Drogba sometimes, and sometimes they say I play like (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic. In terms of Drogba I think they are talking about the strength, and maybe the shooting. In terms of Ibrahimovic, I think they are talking about the headed goals.

"My goal is to score 20-plus goals, it's very much doable," added Tijani, who joined Czech First League runners-up Slavia Prague from Banik Ostrava last summer.

Asked how prepared he was for playing in the Championship, Tijani said: "I'm 2,000 per cent prepared for this, in my head and in my body, I'm so ready for this.

"I know it's a dream for every footballer to play in the English Premier League. The Championship is the second league, it's also one of the best leagues in the world so I think it's a good step for me to play there. I didn't hesitate to take it."

Tijani, who is 6ft 3in, began his career at Lagos-based 36 Lion FC and they posted a message on social media about his move to Argyle. It read: "We trust your work ethics, Lion Tijani, and we wish you all the best in Plymouth. God bless you, son."

The former Nigeria under-20 forward joined up with his new team-mates this morning as they arrived at Home Park for the start of pre-season training.