Nigeria’s Tom Dele-Bashiru returns to Etihad, reflects on football journey

Former Manchester City midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru is set to make a sentimental return to the Etihad Stadium as his current team, Watford, prepares to face City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

The match marks a significant moment for Dele-Bashiru, who will be stepping onto the pitch where he made his only appearance for City during a quarter-final match against Leicester in 2017.

Dele-Bashiru’s journey at Manchester City began when he was just six years old, progressing through the ranks to the first team.
Tom Dele-Bashiru at Manchester City

Despite his promising start, his tenure at City was cut short after he declined a contract renewal in 2019, citing the need for regular first-team football.
“It is frustrating that I have not played more since [his City debut], but that is why I am so keen to be here at Watford, where I can hopefully get more game time,” Dele-Bashiru told reporters upon signing with Watford.

His decision was influenced by protracted negotiations with City that ultimately fell through.

Tom’s father, Bandele Bashiru, expressed discontent with the club’s handling of the contract talks.
“We are not happy with the way Tom has been treated in all this and I think it is disgusting,” he was quoted by ESPN in 2016.
Meanwhile, at Watford, Dele-Bashiru’s career took a positive turn.

After a loan spell at Reading where he gained significant playing time with 39 appearances, he returned to Watford and became a key player, appearing 38 times last season and already taking part in eight matches this season.

Reflecting on his formative years at Manchester City, Dele-Bashiru expressed gratitude, particularly towards Pep Guardiola. The midfielder credited Guardiola for much of his development, both on and off the pitch.

“He was a good mentor, I owe a lot to him and he taught me a lot of things,” he recalled.

The upcoming match not only represents a professional milestone for Dele-Bashiru but also an opportunity to revisit cherished memories and mentors, including Guardiola.

“The debut was a crazy night… I was excited to potentially get onto the pitch, but completely shocked when Pep told me to come on. I felt like I had worked hard for that moment.
“Yaya [Toure] was giving me a lot of advice and support but all of them were helping and telling me I could do it. I think I started it off playing a bit safe, but as the game went on I got into it more and was more confident on the ball – Pep said I played well and was proud of all the young players,” Tom Dele-Bashiru said reminiscing about his debut night.

Manchester City will face Watford in the EFL Round 3 today, 19:45 (Nigerian time).