"I am determined to settle all my problems by playing well here," he said.

The 1997 African Player of the Year has seen his career disintegrate after a move to German giants Borussia Dortmund in 1999.

He scored only twice in his first season in the Bundesliga and was loaned, fat and unfit, to Real Betis, but could not get in the side.

"I am a survivor. I always come out of any situation stronger and better and I will come out of this as well."

But he conceded that he was out of shape when he was loaned out to play in La Liga.

"I joined Betis late and when I did I was not physically ready," he admitted.

"I therefore needed time to get my shape back. At the same time Betis, coming from the second division, were winning the top division. The coach therefore did not want to change a winning side."

And he stoked up the rivalry with Cameroon by saying it would be a "dream come true" to beat the Indomitable Lions in the Nations Cup final.

"At the last final we were robbed in Lagos. My goal from the penalty spot against Cameroon in the final was disallowed."