Dessers explains a key reason for joining the "small" Cremonese club.

Cyriel Dessers reveals why he shun advances from bigger clubs in other leagues in favour Serie A new boys Cremonese.

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has explained why he chose to sign for Italian Serie A newcomers Cremonese on a permanent deal.

The 27-year-old completed a permanent transfer from Belgian side KRC Genk for a reported fee of €6.5m after months of speculation concerning his future.

Dessers chose to sign for Cremonese despite reported interest from clubs such as Danish giants FC Copenhagen.

The Nigerian international has now given a glimpse into what made him decide to play for Cremonese, stating that the desire to compete in one of Europe’s Top 5 leagues was a huge factor in his decision.

Dessers told Het Nieuwsblad as reported by Voetbalprimeur that instead of choosing to play for a top club in a lesser league, he preferred to move to Serie A.

Dessers said: “I could also have chosen a top club in a non-top league. That might have been the safe choice. But I have always dreamed of playing in a top five league one day.

“To measure myself with absolute top defenders. That I was at the top of the list here. I want to show here that I can also score my goals in Serie A.”

The former Feyenoord forward also revealed that Cremonese had been after him for a long time and when they could, the club moved quickly to bring him in.

Cyriel Dessers.

Being the second-most-expensive transfer signing at Cremonese, Dessers stated that the amount of money the club committed to getting his signature gives him the confidence to deliver.

“Cremonese already followed me from Heracles, but only now had the feeling that it could bring me in and then switched very quickly. They pay a lot of money for me, I realize that and that gives confidence,” Dessers concluded.

The Super Eagles striker is in line to feature for the Giogiorossi in their first Serie A match of the 2022/23 season when they travel to the Stadio Artemio Franchi to take on Fiorentina on Sunday, August 14.