Nestory Irankunda’s determination to be part of the Socceroos’ 2026 FIFA World Cup squad was the main reason for his desire to leave German giants Bayern Munich to join English Championship club Watford.
The 19-year-old former A-League star has arrived in London ahead of a reported $A7.13m move to the Hornets, where he’s set to sign a multi-year deal.
Irankunda – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Swiss club Grasshoppers – has made five Socceroos appearances but has been left out of Australia’s squads in the past three international windows by national coach Tony Popovic.
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“It was a very hard decision (to leave Bayern Munich) but for me, my biggest goal is to play in a World Cup and the 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, so I have to be playing minutes and I wasn’t playing (in Germany),” Irankunda told Sky Sport after he landed at Heathrow Airport.
“The best thing for me was to go somewhere else.
“I’m excited and very happy with the opportunity I’ve been given and just ready to get started with the team.
“I’m just going to work hard with the team once I get to the training ground and try to get a spot in the team.”
Irankunda said it had “always been a dream” of his to play in England.
“The Championship’s also a world-class league and competition,” he said.
The former Adelaide United and A-League All-Stars winger also treasured his experience at Bayern Munich.
“You learn a lot when you train with the best players in the world. I’m very grateful for the opportunity I had to train with them every day, week in, week out,” he said.
“From being a boy from Australia … to see top, top players like (England international striker) Harry Kane every day, and being able to train and play with them was a dream come true for me.
“I’m just happy with the opportunity I was given.”
When asked what Watford fans could expect from him, Irankunda said he was a player that could make the “crowd go wild”.
“They’re going to expect a lot from me, being fast, someone down the right wing, running very quick and crossing the ball and scoring as well,” he said.
“I’m pretty fast, really fast, I’ve got a shot on me … I’m exciting at times.”
Socceroos boss Popovic on Tuesday said Irankunda’s move to Watford ahead of next year’s World Cup was “exciting news”.
“Hopefully, this next move can develop him further,” Popovic said.