Semi Ajayi speaks to www.themillers.co.uk for the first time...
New Rotherham United loan signing Semi Ajayi says he ‘jumped at the chance’ to join the Millers after completing formalities on his loan switch from Cardiff City this morning.
The central-defender became Paul Warne’s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Richard O’Donnell and Alex Bray.
The Nigerian under 20 international penned a loan deal with the Millers until the end of the campaign, and admitted that he was relishing the opportunity to compete for regular first-team football.
"I heard about the interest on Saturday evening and then I got a call from the gaffer here on Sunday afternoon,” he told www.themillers.co.uk
“He told me what the club was about, he said that there is a really good set of lads here and I would enjoy it. I jumped at the chance to sign and get some games, and hopefully help the club move forward.
"He (Paul Warne) told me that I would really enjoy it here, and it was a really good environment to work in. He just wanted me to come here and show what I can do, and try and help the club.
"I've got to use this opportunity to show what I can do.”
Ajayi began his career with Charlton Athletic before being spotted by Premier League heavyweights Arsenal. He moved to The Emirates Stadium in 2013 where he would stay for the next two years.
After a loan spell with Cardiff City he joined the Bluebirds on a permanent basis, before getting further experience with loan stints at AFC Wimbledon and Crewe Alexandra.
"I'm an athletic defender, and pace is one of my main attributes,” the 23-year-old continued.
“Obviously I'm tall, so I'll compete in the air and I would like to think I've got good composure on the ball.
"At this stage of my career what I really need is regular game time. When the gaffer here rang me and offered me this chance, I made the decision to come here straight away.
"I owe a lot to Charlton who had me from when I was a young boy. I then went to Arsenal and was given a really good schooling, and learned a lot from some top coaches. That has set me in good stead for my career, and now I’m looking to kick on after being given this opportunity by Rotherham.”
There is a full interview with Semi on Millers Player HD now.