Efe Ambrose has opened up on why he left Hibs for Derby County and what the future holds for him after a failed spell with the Rams.
The Nigerian linked up with Frank Lampard’s side in January. He had been a mainstay for Neil Lennon’s Hibs earlier in the 2018/19 campaign, but traded it for Championship football.
Speaking to Goal.com about the move, Ambrose said the Chelsea legend was the reason he joined the Rams. He also spoke about what comes next in his career is.
Ambrose said: “I joined Derby County because of Frank Lampard. He has been my hero and I felt it was a chance for me to gather more experience from him.
“I had to leave Hibernian where I was a regular to push my career forward and Derby was the right place for me, especially under a manager who has seen it all.
“He brought me in to serve as a cover up and help realise the club’s ambition, unfortunately, I never got a chance.
SPFL unlikely destination for departing Derby County defender
“The most important thing is the next challenge and I’m just a player while my agents will do the talking. When the right time comes, I’ll announce my next move.”
Will that ‘next challenge’ be another crack at the SPFL? Probably not if Ambrose’s comments are anything to by.
He said that he left Hibs in order to challenge himself. If the Nigerian still wants to do that, will he return to Scotland for a third stint? It’s very unlikely.
A move abroad is probably what Ambrose will opt for. He’s only ever played in Israel and Nigeria outwith the UK. Perhaps a move to a new country will be a challenge that excites the defender.
Hibs may be the last Scottish club Ambrose turns out for. The chances of an SPFL return are unlikely for the Nigerian.