Okaka: Almost joined AC Milan twice but regretted missing the 2016 European Cup

October 31st News 36-year-old Okaka accepted an exclusive interview and reviewed his past career playing for Roma, Fulham, Udinese and other teams.

Join Roma youth training

Okaka: "I dream of becoming a football player, but my goal is to give my parents a better future. They work three jobs to support us children. I came to Roma at the age of 14, very young at the time. I must thank the president Franco Sensi, who received me in Trigoria and gave me the opportunity to live with them in the sports center."

"I was about to sign with the Rossoneri, and then Bruno Conte took me and my father to Trigoria. I was impressed by the Sports Center, so I chose the Rossoneri ".

The first person who gave him trust was Luciano Spalletti

Okaka: "He was like a second father. In 2005, when I was 16, he wanted me to enter the first team and I immediately scored against Napoli in the Coppa Italia. It all started from there."

Working with Totti, De Rossi and others

Okaka: "I like Totti and De Rossi very much. I grew up in Trigoria and Roma has always been my family. The experience in the red and yellow Legion will be a vital part of my life. We are in constant contact and our relationship goes beyond friendship. It is almost a brotherhood."

Playing for the Italian national team

Okaka: "Conte is the absolute champion of our football and a great coach. Working with him has helped me a lot. Playing for Italy is another dream that has come true. It is a pity that he missed the call for the 2016 European Cup."

"I'm sorry. I thought I was on the list, but unfortunately it wasn't. The coach made other choices ".

During the same period, he almost moved to Milan and Inter Milan.

Okaka: "I had already negotiated with the Rossoneri in 2015, and then Mancini's Inter Milan joined the negotiations. President Ferrero blocked the deal, preventing me from transferring to the Nerazzurri. This was a missed opportunity."

In these twenty years of football career, what makes you happiest?

Okaka: "I didn't leave my family behind. I used my initial salary to buy a house for my parents. I, my brother and my sister will never forget what they did for us."