Stefano Okaka, the striker of Medipol Başakşehir, one of the Super League teams, spoke to the Italian press.
“I TURNED MY BACK TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE”
The Italian football player, who said that he was talking to Roberto Mancini at that time and that Inter was almost about to transfer him, then asked that he turned down an important offer from China, “Yes, I was in Anderlecht. The club was pressuring me to sell me to China, but “I was 26 and didn’t want to go. I wanted to go to the Premier League. There was Everton and Tottenham. So I said no to a super offer. When you see some numbers it’s not easy to reject them, but my love for football is greater than my love for money.”
Okaka, who also said that he had auditioned for Milan in the past, said, “It went well, but before I signed, Bruno Conti called me and told me to go to Rome. They found a job for my whole family there. That’s why I didn’t think for a moment before accepting Rome.”
“I LOVE ROME AND UDINESE”
Saying that he also follows Serie A, the experienced striker said, “You have played in 12 teams in your career, which one do you like more?” “I choose two; Roma because I grew up there, but I felt the best in Udinese. I had an excellent relationship with everyone from President Giampaolo Pozzo to nutritionists. We still talk to Marino often, every time I score a goal, I have an excellent relationship,” the striker said. writes or searches.” made his comment.
Saying that he has many friends in football, Okaka said, “I have many friends, but we talk to Cassano every day. We have been friends for 10-15 years, he is like a brother to me. He helped me overcome a complicated period during the Parma period.”
Asked about the strangest transfer he has made, Okaka said: “My transfer from Sampdoria to Anderlecht. I should have gone to Milan or Inter. But in the end I found myself in Belgium.”
“FANTASTIC TO PLAY WITH MESUT ÖZİL”
“No one thought I could get up so many times after a thousand falls,” said Okaka. “How does it feel to be on the same team with a champion like Mesut Özil?” “It’s fantastic. It’s an honor for me to share the locker room with him. I always tell him that he changes football, but he’s so humble that he doesn’t dwell much on it,” he said.
“Have you ever thought of returning to the national team?” Asked the question, the Italian football player said, “Many people ask me this. But I am 33 years old and it is better for Italy to go its own way. I support the team with applause.”
Asked if he regretted playing so little with the Italian national team, Okaka said: “A bit, yes, but there were things that didn’t go well. But until now I’ve gotten used to accepting things as they are.”
“I RECEIVED ANOTHER OFFER IN TURKEY”
Asked how he felt in Başakşehir, the experienced star said, “Very good. I got a few offers from other clubs in Turkey, but I decided to stay. We started the league and the Conference League very well. There are several contacts in each transfer period, I always find the best for myself.” “I look for the good way. I’m very honest with myself and I don’t want to satisfy my ego. I want to stay where I can have fun and give my 100 percent.”