Oduamadi: I will still play for Milan!
Nigeria forward Nnamdi Oduamadi is still upbeat he will feature for AC Milan before his contract with the Serie A giants expires in the summer of 2018. Oduamadi, who is on loan at Finnish club HJK Helsinki told Africanfootball.com in this exclusive interview that he is happy with the deal as he is ever ready to represent Nigeria whenever he is called upon. Excerpts:
Congratulations on your loan deal to HJK Helsinki and how do you feel about the move?
Thank you. It’s a good one as it will give me chance to play regularly.
You have former Eagles star Taye Taiwo in the team, what role has he played to make you settle down quickly at the club?
He is a big brother and father figure to me here. We see every day. He tells me what I need to do and not to do. He has been of great help to me here.
You have been in Italy for a long time now, how will you compare the football in Italy with that of Finland?
I have just come to Finland and played just a league game. I did not even do pre-season with the club, so I can’t say anything on that now, may be later.
How will you rate the league so far?
It’s good. There are lots of good teams and good players here.
What do you hope to achieve at HJK?
That’s to win titles, get goals and do well generally.
You were on loan to Sanliusfaspor in Turkey, but you did not get to play as expected, what happened?
What I saw there was not what I expected. So, I couldn’t continue there. I am glad HJK came in and it’s nice to be here.
It’s been a long time since you got an Eagles call-up, any hard feelings?
No, not at all. The coaches and NFF decide who to call for games and since I have not been called, I have no choice than to wait. I don’t feel bad about it at all. I am always available for Nigeria and will do my best if called.
Eagles will not play in AFCON 2017, the second time in a row Nigeria will miss the AFCON, what do you have to say?
I am very sad about this. I was hoping we will qualify this time, but it was not to be. I watched the games on TV. It was bad we failed to make it.
Your contract with AC Milan is till 2018, do you still dream of featuring again for the club after going on countless loans?
Yes, I played some games in the Serie A for the team in 2010/2011 season. I am still hopeful and believe I will still play for the team. That’s my target and I am working hard towards it.
You lost your father some time ago, what do you miss most about him?
A lot. He taught me lots of things, how to live, what to do and not to do. He advised me greatly and supported my career too. I miss him dearly.
Culled from Africanfootball.com
QUOTE: “I am very sad about this. I was hoping we will qualify this time, but it was not to be. I watched the games on TV. It was bad we failed to make it.”
QUOTE: “No, not at all. The coaches and NFF decide who to call for games and since I have not been called, I have no choice than to wait. I don’t feel bad about it at all. I am always available for Nigeria and will do my best if called.”
