“He is a legend”

Montpellier striker Akor Adams has revealed that former Super Eagles John Utaka has consistently helped him with tips to improve since his transfer to Montpellier in 2023, Soccernet.ng reports.

Adams joined Montpellier in August 2023, after an impressive one-year stint at Lillestrom that saw him register 28 goals and seven assists in 50 appearances.

In his first season with Montpellier, the 24-year-old hitman registered ten goals and two assists in 33 games. Adams has had a decent start to this season’s campaign, with three goals and two assists in eleven appearances.

Unfortunately, Montpellier have been struggling in Ligue 1, as they sit bottom of the league, with just eight points after 13 games.

Although Adams is not at the top of the goalscoring charts in France. It has still been a decent start to life for him. He attributes his performance to the help of retired Nigerian striker John Utaka, who also played for Montpellier between 2011 and 2013 and won the league with them.

“John Utaka is a legend. His influence was also part of my decision to come to Montpellier,” Adams told Tribal Football.

“He had played for the club, he has won the championship with the club and he is very much adored by the fans. For me, following in those footsteps knowing that he laid the path for a young player, I was glad to take the offer to sign for Montepellier.

“He played as a striker as I am, after games we do have discussions on what I should have done, what he thinks should have the best option. We have these interactions striker to striker, this is so I can improve. It is a huge privilege to have him among the coaching staff at Montepellier.”

Adams will be looking to increase his numbers in front of goal and help Montpellier avoid the drop this season.