Super Eagles and now-Udinese Calcio goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has opened up about his challenging stint at Watford FC, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria international also shared touched on his future amid links with English Premier League clubs such as Bournemouth.
The 26-year-old has become one of Serie A’s standout shot-stoppers at Udinese after a difficult period in England and a slow start in Italy.
Tough spell at Watford
Okoye revealed that his time at Watford was fraught with challenges both on and off the pitch.
Arriving the summer the club was relegated from the Premier League, the young goalkeeper struggled to adapt while also recovering from shoulder surgery.
“My time at Watford was challenging — there was a lot happening, not only on the pitch but also off it. I was younger and dealing with many things at the same time, including recovering from shoulder surgery. It was a tough period,” he told Footy-Africa.
He added that the experience ultimately strengthened him.
“Maybe I didn’t deal with some situations in the best way, but I learned from them and I’ve grown a lot. I got another chance at Udinese, and I took it. I’ve become a better player and a better man.”
Despite not featuring in a single league game for Watford before being sent to the club’s sister side Sparta Rotterdam, Okoye has since flourished in Italy, establishing himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper and one of the league’s best shot-stoppers.
Bournemouth transfer links
Okoye also addressed recent speculation surrounding a possible move back to England, with Bournemouth reportedly showing interest last summer.
“I’m always happy when there are rumours, because it means I’m doing well and that clubs might want to have a future with me. But at this moment, I’m very happy at Udinese. I will give everything for the club, and my focus is fully here. Of course, I also want to take a step forward in my career at some point, but right now my full focus is on Udinese,” he stated.
The Super Eagles shot-stopper, while keeping the door open for future opportunities in England, will continue give his best to his club as well as his country when invited.