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Yak is Back

Premier League legend Aiyegbeni Yakubu set for sensational return to England with National League side Boreham Wood

Former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Everton striker to play old side Reading in pre-season clash

AIYEGBENI YAKUBU will make a sensational return to English football for minnows Boreham Wood against his old club Reading today.

The Vanarama National League club announced the shock news on their official Twitter page last night.

 Aiyegbeni Yakubu will turn out for Boreham Wood against ex-side Reading
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Aiyegbeni Yakubu will turn out for Boreham Wood against ex-side ReadingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Former Nigerian international Yakubu, 33, enjoyed a distinguished career in the Premier League — turning out for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn.

However, he may be on the verge of dropping down four divisions if he joins Boreham Wood.

The club, who will take on Reading in what is Jaap Stam's first game in charge of the Royals, posted: “NEWS: We can announce that Former @Everton @officialpompey @ReadingFC striker YAKUBU will feature for the Wood against the Royals tomorrow.”

Boreham Wood fans could barely contain their excitement as they celebrated the return of ‘The Yak’.

Yakubu moved to Pompey when they were promoted to the Premier League in 2003.

He scored 29 goals in two seasons — including four in one game against Middlesbough — to earn a move to Teeside.

At Boro, he carried on finding the back of the net regularly and Everton broke their transfer record to bring him to Goodison Park for £11.25million.

 Aiyegbeni Yakubu celebrates scoring for Middlesbrough against Roma in 2006
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Aiyegbeni Yakubu celebrates scoring for Middlesbrough against Roma in 2006Credit: Reuters
 Aiyegbeni Yakubu upends Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg back in 2006
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Aiyegbeni Yakubu upends Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg back in 2006Credit: Reuters
 Aiyegbeni Yakubu reacts after scoring for Portsmouth against Southampton in 2004
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Aiyegbeni Yakubu reacts after scoring for Portsmouth against Southampton in 2004Credit: Reuters

After an impressive first season, he soon went downhill and was sent on loan to Leicester before joining Blackburn.

After just a season at Ewood Park, he enjoyed spells at Guangzhou Evergrande, Al Rayyan, Reading and Kayserispor.

Yakubu famously missed an open goal from inside the six-yard box against South Korea at the 2010 World Cup.

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