Maduka Okoye plays down Udinese exit, lauds club coach

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed he’d love to continue his career in Italy, quelling talks of a move abroad, Afrik Foot reports.

The 26-year-old joined the two-time Italian Serie B winners in 2023 and has accrued 70 appearances for the Black and Whites, showing signs of development, season after season.

However, it appears Okoye has now found a home in Udine, as he mentioned he’d like to continue his career at the club.

Maduka Okoye plays down Udinese exit

In an interview with Tutto Mercato, the former Watford goalkeeper revealed he feels at ease with Udinese.

“Here I feel great, for football it’s the perfect place. We’re lucky, we have an insane sports center. When I enter the field I feel something strong, I don’t know how to explain it.

“I want to stay in Italy, I love it. I like the language, people. When I was a kid, I thought of this as a dream and it still is for me,” the 26-year-old said.

Additionally, the Germany-born Nigerian took his time out to laud Udinese’s coach Kosta Runjaic for the work he’s done with the group.

“Runjaic is a very good coach, he works a lot on the details. We’re all learning. The goalkeeper has to help so much according to him, he has to build the game.

“I changed because I wasn’t playing much with my feet before. Between us goalkeepers there is a beautiful relationship, I’m lucky to have one like Padelli near me.

“He has so much experience. Sava [Razvan] works a lot too, we have a good relationship,” Okoye concluded.