Okaka: Playing for Italy and Conte is a dream come true

Date: 10th November 2015 at 8:44pm
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Okaka - Italy v AlbaniaItalian striker Stefano Okaka says he is glad to be back with the national team set-up, and hopes to fulfil his dream of playing at The 2016 UEFA European Championship in France next summer.

The 26-year old joined Belgian side Anderlecht from Sampdoria this summer, and has found the net seven times in just nine appearances, but has only featured once before for the Azzurri, where he netted a goal against Albania.

At today’s press conference prior to a friendly against Belgium, Okaka discussed a range of topics from his thoughts on playing in the Belgian Pro League to racism in Italy, but underlined his excitement to be included in the squad.

“This is a wonderful experience with such an important and young team, I am fortunate to be included,” the striker told reporters.

“Every player has their own dreams, which is the gasoline for all of our work, and mine is to play for Italy and Conte.

“Belgium has a winning mentality, but the league has fewer pressures which makes it more serene [than playing in Italy].

“I’m glad that Conte continued to evaluate me and kept me in consideration, this is my chance to show the coach my technical abilities, as well as my personality as a person.”

Okaka then briefly responded to some of the criticism he has received during his career.

“In football, there is always criticism on some level, but I’ve always given my best when I go out on the pitch,” he said.

“It’s just the prejudices towards me that I don’t like. Racism is just a question of education, nobody is born racist.

“There are many Italians in Belgium who have adapted, their intelligence is what makes the difference.

“It’s a shame we have to talk about racism in 2015.”

 

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