Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has opened up on the challenges he faced at Watford and says those difficult months helped shape his rise as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Okoye moved to England in the summer Watford were relegated from the Premier League and admitted the period left him battling both form and fitness.
“My time at Watford was challenging, there was a lot happening, not only on the pitch but also off it. I was younger and dealing with many things at the same time, including recovering from shoulder surgery. It was a tough period,” he told Footy-Africa.
Okoye in action in the Serie A. Photo Credit: Getty Images
He said the struggles became a turning point in his career.
“Maybe I didn’t deal with some situations in the best way, but I learned from them and I’ve grown a lot. I got another chance at Udinese, and I took it. I’ve become a better player and a better man.”
Okoye did not make a league appearance for Watford before moving to Sparta Rotterdam and later Udinese, where he has since become one of Serie A’s standout goalkeepers.
The 26-year-old also addressed reports linking him with a move back to the Premier League, including interest from Bournemouth.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
“I’m always happy when there are rumours, because it means I’m doing well and that clubs might want to have a future with me,” he said.
READ MORE:super-eagles-coach-to-defend-afcon-squad-before-nff-panel
“But at this moment, I’m very happy at Udinese. I will give everything for the club, and my focus is fully here. Of course, I also want to take a step forward in my career at some point, but right now my full focus is on Udinese.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Okoye has played 7 Seria A matches conceding 11 goals with 2 clean sheets despites missing the first six games of the season due to a betting ban.
