New Leicester City defender and former Atalanta player Caleb Okoli recently spoke at a press conference from the Italian national team’s training camp. This marks his first call-up under new coach Luciano Spalletti, as Italy prepares for Nations League matches against France and Israel.
Expressing his emotions, Okoli stated, “It’s been incredibly emotional. My Premier League debut was very important to me. I found out about the national team call-up just a few days before, and I’m very happy about it.”
Regarding his move abroad, he said, “I’m convinced this adventure will give me a lot of experience in European and international football. I find myself playing in the Premier League, and I’m happy. I’m ready to bring this experience here, together with my teammates.”
Okoli clarified that his move wasn’t a “flight abroad,” explaining, “I actually received some calls from Italy, but I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. I wanted to go there, and when this opportunity came, I seized it. I believe it can greatly reward me.”
The defender credited his former coach, Eusebio Di Francesco, for his growth: “Coach Di Francesco helped me grow; it was an important year for me. Spalletti came to watch our training sessions and focused a lot on professionalism. Since that day, I’ve always thought about his words, and now I’m happy that maybe he saw something more in me from that day.”
Okoli was particularly moved by Gianluigi Buffon’s speech to the team: “Buffon gave a very emotional speech that struck me immediately. I immediately understood his role within this national team, and I’m convinced that from now on, we’ll make everyone believe in Italy again. He said to make everything we do to represent this country feel important, and I’m very convinced we’ll succeed in doing so.”
On his preferred position, Okoli stated, “I feel comfortable in any position in a three-man defense. Last year I played many games on the left, but also as a central defender and on the right. I’m comfortable in any defensive position. Thinking about the game with France, I see a high-intensity match with great emotions: compact and united, I’m sure we’ll achieve great things.”
Reflecting on his time at Atalanta, Okoli said, “It was a very important club for me; I’m very happy with the journey I had with them. They were a great family. I arrived when I was 14, and they gave me so much. I’m happy with the goals I’ve achieved, and it will always be a part of me. I always told Marco it would be a great choice for him. I’m convinced he’ll do well and achieve great things.”
