Harambee Stars captain and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama has sent a heartfelt message to his East African compatriot Mbwana Samatta.
The Tanzanian international striker who also doubles up as the skipper for the Taifa Stars has sealed a sensational move to English Premier League side Aston Villa and has put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
Samatta becomes the first Tanzanian to play in the English Premier League and only the second EastAfrican player to do so after Victor Wanyama. The Kenyan international took to Twitter to send his congratulatory message to Samatta.
Congratulations brother and welcome to the @premierleague wish you all the best as you start your new adventure https://t.co/VvpYeQ9zSA
— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) January 21, 2020
He has scored 10 goals for Genk in all competitions this season including a goal at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League.
“I’m so excited,” Samatta said. “It’s a huge step for me in my career. It’s a big step for the country too. Everyone was looking for a Tanzanian to play in the Premier League.
“I know a lot about Aston Villa. I used to watch Gabby Agbonlahor when he was here.”
Villa have played their last three games without a recognised striker after after losing Brazilian forward Wesley for the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained at Burnley on New Year’s Day.